Digital device configuration and method

ABSTRACT

A digital Storage Element is described. A device is configured including a Storage Element for access by a user responsive to a native control code. A processing arrangement executes a control program for controlling the overall device and executing at least a portion of the native control code as part of the control program for interfacing with the Storage Element. A programming arrangement is provided separate from the device for customizing a read channel within the Storage Element. Command, user interaction and data transfer execution are discussed for mitigation of potential mechanical shock effects. Status indications relating to the Storage Element are provided including head position and mechanical shock. Calibration, test and operational monitoring procedures, for using head position status, are described. Failure configuration monitoring is provided in tracking overall performance and design considerations.

The present application is a divisional application of co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/952,998, filed on Sep. 14, 2001, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related generally to a digital devicearchitecture and, more particularly, to a digital system configurationand associated method for devices including an electromechanical dataStorage Element. The invention is particularly well-suited for use in aportable device.

One need only briefly survey virtually any public area in modern societyin order to gain an appreciation for the popularity of electronicdevices. Such devices include, but are not limited to cellular phones,music players, portable computers, personal digital assistants, pagers,digital cameras, digital camcorders, personal gaming devices ande-books. Continuous improvement has been seen in the capabilitiespresent in these devices attributable, at least in part, to a movementinto digital implementations.

Demands, with regard to future electronic devices, include furtherminiaturization coupled with still further improvements in performance.These demands are markedly intense with regard to portable devices. Aparticular area of concern resides in a desire to store ever-increasingamounts of digital information. At the same time, it should beappreciated that an electronic device, especially in a portable orminiaturized form, is likely to be subjected to a somewhat harshenvironment, particularly with regard to mechanical shock. In an attemptto cope with the need for a significant amount of digital data storagewhile, at the same time, dealing with the problem of mechanical shock,designers resorted to the use of electronic memory, particularly in theform of flash memory. This solution is evident in the instance ofstate-of-the-art music players, including MP3 players. As of thiswriting, the popular configuration of these players is to use aremovable flash memory card having a size of approximately 32 MB.Unfortunately, several problems are associated with this solution, aswill be described.

One problem seen with regard to the flash memory solution resides in thefact that 32 MB is, in itself, a somewhat limited amount of storage. Itis not unforeseeable that in the near future even amounts less than 512MB will be considered as small. Considering present day devices, theowner of a portable device that relies on the use of flash memory cardstypically must own a number of the cards in order to provide asufficient overall amount of storage. Otherwise, the portable deviceowner may be forced to frequently reload the flash memory card via apersonal computer or otherwise be subjected, for example, to listeningto a quite limited music selection in the instance of an MP3 player.Moreover, the cost of flash memory cards is currently somewhatprohibitive. Many portable device owners simply choose not to incur theexpense of buying numbers of additional flash memory cards.

In coping with the problems inherent in the use of flash memory cards, arecent alternative solution has been the provision of a larger,electromechanical digital storage arrangement that is nonethelessremovable. This solution is exemplified by the IBM Microdrive™. Thelatter is a removable miniaturized computer hard disk drive providedwith a connector that mates with a corresponding connector incorporatedwithin the portable device to be served. It is noted that such miniaturehard drives, including the Microdrive, have essentially the sameconfiguration as prior art hard drives seen in personal computers. Thatis, the miniature hard drive is made up of two general assembliesincluding a head disk assembly (HDA) and a printed circuit boardassembly (PCBA). The HDA itself includes a rotatable magnetic media, asensor assembly for reading from and writing to the rotatable media andmotors for accomplishing rotation of the rotatable media and positioningof the sensor assembly. The PCBA includes essentially all of theelectronics needed to operate the HDA with the common exception of apreamplifier. While the Microdrive brings improvement in data capacity,as of this writing, the cost of the Microdrive is quite high in terms ofmegabytes per dollar and absolute cost when compared to such costs inconventional drives. It is submitted that this absolute cost, in and byitself, will prove to be a significant barrier with regard tobroad-based use of the product.

The Microdrive utilizes a CompactFlash interface. This interface raisesconcerns for a number of reasons, not the least of which is therequirement for a rather bulky interface connector having fifty pins, asdescribed in the CF+ and CompactFlash Specification Revision 1.4.Further concerns with regard to CompactFlash will be addressed below.

With regard to the removable configuration of the Microdrive, it isnoted that the perceived need for removable media has been greatlyreduced in certain environments once viable, significant levels of“permanently” installed storage space has been provided. Availableembedded storage has traditionally taken a precedent over removablestorage, as evidenced in desktop computers. Still further concerns areassociated with removable storage, as will be discussed below.

While the use of a miniaturized hard disk drive effectively resolves theproblem of limited storage by providing many times the storage currentlyavailable in a typical flash memory card, the issue of the use of such acomponent in the potentially harsh environment of a portable device isonce again brought to the forefront. It should be appreciated that,under certain circumstances, prior art hard disk drives toleraterelatively high levels of mechanical shock—even as high as 1500 Gs.Under operational circumstances, unfortunately, hard disk drives aregenerally quite susceptible to mechanical shock events, for example,during the time that the head or sensing assembly is actually accessingthe rotating media. Consequences of a mechanical shock event occurringat precisely the most inopportune time include potential drive failure.For instance, a drive may fail when subjected to a 175 G event during anaccess. In this regard, Applicants are unaware of a miniaturized harddrive or overall device architecture incorporating effective featuresspecifically intended to cope, for example, with the potentially harshenvironment of a portable electronic device.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,751 (hereinafter the '751 patent), sharing the leadinventor of the present application, serves as one reference point withregard to several suggestions which may be utilized within a systemincorporating a hard drive. The framework of the '751 patent, however,resides not in the area of drive miniaturization, ruggedization orportability, but primarily in reducing the cost of a hard disk drive asprovided in an overall computer system. One approach taken by the patentencompasses moving all possible functionality out of the overall harddisk drive, including the controller, and onto the motherboard of thehost device. For example, unused silicon “real estate” might be utilizedfor implementation of the controller. Moreover, such a controller mayutilize memory that is already present on the host side. Thus, the drivecost is reduced to some extent. At the same time, it should beappreciated that the prior art functional control implemented as betweenthe CPU and the controller is unchanged with respect to locating thecontroller on the motherboard. Specifically, the controller includesprocessing power which executes control code that is “native” to theperipheral device. As used herein, “native code” refers to the lowestlevel control code required to control a particular peripheral device.It is that code which is customarily executed by a device controller ina fashion that is isolated from the CPU resident within the host system.

FIG. 1 is a representation of FIG. 2 of the '751 patent, includingalternative reference numbers assigned consistent with the presentdiscussion. Accordingly, a prior art computer system 10 includes a hostcircuit board 12. A controller 14 is included as a single integratedcircuit having further functions, as will be mentioned. A servointegrated circuit 16 is used to spin motors in any attached peripheraldevices. Three peripheral devices are shown including a head diskassembly (HDA) 20, a CDROM/DVD 22 and a floppy drive 24. Alternatively,the latter may comprise a high capacity floppy drive, a miniature drive,or other suitable device.

One advantage, alluded to above, in the patent is the use of the HDA asan alternative to a complete hard disk drive (HDD) since costs arelessened by including components such as, for example, controller 14within the host system. Components of the HDA (described above, but notillustrated) include a data media, a sensor/head mechanism to readand/or write data to and from the media, and motors to spin the mediaand position the sensor/head mechanism. A preamplifier is included toamplify the data read from or to be written to the media. Thepreamplifier may be installed on a flex circuit (see item 17 in FIG. 1Aof the '751 patent) that electrically connects the HDA to the PCBA. Itis appropriate to note, at this juncture, that the '751 patent alsodescribes the location of a read/write channel, electrically incommunication with the preamplifier, as potentially being arranged inthe host system, distributed between the host system and the peripheraldevice or being within the peripheral device. The conventional locationof the read/write channel in prior art HDD's is on the PCBA in closephysical proximity to the electrical connection point of the HDA, forreasons described below.

Continuing with a description of FIG. 1, each peripheral device may alsohave an associated personality ROM 26. The specific location of thepersonality ROM is shown for an individual component in FIG. 3 (item 64)of the '751 patent. It is noted that the personality ROM is isolatedfrom the rest of the individual component and is accessed via the PCIarrangement. Integrated circuit 14, in FIG. 1, further includesperipheral component interconnect (PCI) bus functionality such that theintegrated circuit is interfaced to a PCI bus 28. It is noted that PCIbus 28 comprises one example of a number of possible bus masteringbuses. A CPU 30 and chipset 32 are provided with the chipset connectedto PCI bus 28. CPU 30 is, in turn, interfaced with chipset 32. A RAMsection 34 is also interfaced to chipset 32. It is important to notethat CPU 30 is indirectly connected to the peripheral components.Specifically, PCI bus 28 is interposed between the peripheralcomponents, including HDA 26, and the CPU. While this arrangement may beadvantageous with regard to cost reduction, certain disadvantages thataccompany this configuration will be considered at appropriate pointsbelow. For the moment, it is noted that system control is accomplishedby the CPU issuing commands that are placed on PCI bus 28 in accordancewith mandated PCI protocol. It is submitted that certain penalties areassociated with this style of command configuration. For example,commands issued through levels or layers of protocol higher than thenative code are particularly inflexible.

The present invention provides a highly advantageous digital deviceconfiguration and method that are submitted to resolve the foregoingproblems and concerns while providing still further advantages, asdescribed hereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As will be described in more detail hereinafter, there is disclosedherein a Storage Element as well as associated devices and method. Inone aspect of the invention, a device is configured for access by a userand includes an assembly having an electromechanical digital datastorage arrangement configured for operation responsive to a nativecontrol code. The device further includes a processing arrangement whichexecutes a control program for controlling the overall device and whichexecutes at least a portion of the native control code, as part of thecontrol program, for use in directly interfacing with the storagearrangement.

In another aspect of the present invention, an assembly includes adigital data storage arrangement made up of a rotatable read/writemedia, a head arrangement configured for reading and writing therotatable media and a programmable channel at least for forming aninterface between the rotatable media and the head arrangement.Additionally, a programming arrangement, produced separate from thedigital storage arrangement, is electrically connectable with thedigital storage arrangement at least sufficient to program the channelin a particular way that serves to customize the interface formed by thechannel between the rotatable media and the head arrangement such thatthe digital storage arrangement is later to be used, without theprogramming arrangement, in an end installation including the customizedchannel.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a system is describedfor providing a digital storage arrangement for end use in an enddevice. The system includes a rotatable read/write media forming a firstpart of the digital storage arrangement and a head arrangement forming asecond part of the digital storage arrangement and configured forreading and writing the rotatable media. A programmable channel forms athird part of the digital storage arrangement and is configured at leastfor forming an interface between the rotatable media and the headarrangement. A programming arrangement, produced separate from thedigital storage arrangement, is configured for electrical connectionwith the digital storage arrangement at least sufficient to program thechannel in a particular way that serves to customize the interfaceformed by the channel between the rotatable media and the headarrangement such that the digital storage arrangement is later used inthe end device including the customized channel.

In still another aspect of the present invention, in a device having auser access arrangement for receiving a user interaction and including aprocessing arrangement, the improvement includes a command executionarrangement for interpreting the user interaction in a way that definesa command to be executed by the processing arrangement and forinitiating the execution of the command prior to termination of the userinteraction. In one feature, a digital data storage arrangement isfurther included for storing digital information under control of theprocessing arrangement wherein the command defines a data access thatuses the digital storage arrangement and the processing arrangement isprogrammed to initiate execution of the data access responsive topartial entry of the command during the user interaction. In anotherfeature, the digital storage arrangement utilizes a rotatable media andan electronic memory arrangement is provided wherein the processingarrangement is programmed to execute the data access by reading certaininformation from the digital storage arrangement, after spinning up therotatable media on which the certain information is stored, and fortransferring that certain information to an electronic memoryarrangement such that the certain information is available without theneed to access the digital data storage arrangement.

In a further aspect of the present invention, within a device includingan electromechanical digital storage arrangement and configured forreceiving a plurality of external interactions, at least some of whichrequire one or more data transfers using the storage arrangement, and atleast some, but not all of which are user interactions, an assemblyincludes: a first arrangement for receiving a first one of theinteractions requiring a first data transfer by the storage arrangement,a second arrangement for determining that the first interaction is anon-user interaction, and a third arrangement for delaying execution ofthe first data transfer, associated with the first non-user interaction,at least until a next user interaction.

In a continuing aspect of the present invention, within a deviceincluding an electronic memory arrangement having a capacity wherein thedevice is configured for responding to a plurality of externalinteractions including user interactions, at least a specific one ofwhich interactions requires a specific data transfer to the electronicmemory arrangement such that the specific data transfer is of a sizethat exceeds the capacity of the electronic memory arrangement, anassembly includes a first arrangement for loading the electronic memoryarrangement with an initial portion of the specific data transfer tofill the electronic memory arrangement to its capacity such that theinitial portion of data is available for use in a predetermined way. Asecond arrangement monitors the use, in the predetermined way, of anydata stored in the electronic memory arrangement and a third arrangementis provided for loading an additional portion of the specific datatransfer into the electronic memory arrangement to replace that part ofthe initial portion of the specific data transfer which has been used inthe predetermined way such that an unused part of the initial portion ofthe specific data transfer and the additional portion of the specificdata transfer are concurrently stored in the electronic memoryarrangement. In one feature, the assembly includes an electromechanicaldigital storage arrangement such that the specific data transfer isstored by the electromechanical digital storage arrangement for transferto the electronic storage arrangement in the first and additionalportions.

In an ongoing aspect of the present invention, within a portableelectronic device configured for receiving a user interaction and foroperating in an overall environment which may subject the portableelectronic device to mechanical shock, the device including anelectromechanical Storage Element which is susceptible to suchmechanical shock when reading and/or writing data and which is otherwisesubstantially less susceptible to mechanical shock, theelectromechanical Storage Element is protected from shock at least to alimited extent by providing an electronic memory arrangement in theportable device. The user interaction is monitored to define aparticular use of a selection of data stored on the electromechanicalStorage Element. The selection of data is copied from theelectromechanical Storage Element to the electronic memory arrangement.After using the electromechanical Storage Element in the copying step,availability of the selection of data for the particular use isindicated such that the user is able to initiate the particular use ofthe selection of data, through accessing the electronic memoryarrangement, only after the electromechanical Storage Element is not inuse and is substantially less susceptible to mechanical shock.

In another aspect of the present invention, in a device configured foraccess by a user and including a processing arrangement which executes acontrol program for controlling the overall device, an assembly includesan electromechanical digital data storage arrangement responsive to anative control code and a peripheral control arrangement configured suchthat the processing arrangement executes at least a portion of thenative control code of the storage arrangement as part of the controlprogram. The peripheral control arrangement includes an interfaceconfigured for implementing the native code between the processingarrangement and the electromechanical digital storage arrangement.

In still another aspect of the present invention, a digital data storagearrangement includes a rotatable media as well as a head arrangementconfigured for accessing the rotatable media by first initiating acontrol sequence intended to move the head arrangement from an unparkedposition to a parked position. Thereafter, a predetermined status isdetected, related to head arrangement position which confirms that thehead arrangement is in the parked position. An indication is thenproduced based on the predetermined status. In one feature, theindication is stored at a predetermined register location. In anotherfeature, the storage arrangement is configured with a ramp for receivingthe head arrangement in its parked position such that, when so received,the ramp and the head arrangement cooperate in a way which produces theindication thereby confirming that the head is in the parked position.

In another aspect of the present invention, in a digital data storagearrangement including a rotatable media as well as a head arrangementconfigured for accessing the rotatable media and for moving to a parkedposition, an apparatus includes a first arrangement for initiating acontrol sequence intended to move the head arrangement to the parkedposition after having accessed the rotatable media, a second arrangementfor thereafter detecting a predetermined status related to headarrangement position by testing the head arrangement for reading fromthe rotatable media such that an inability of the head arrangement toread indicates that the head arrangement is at least away from therotatable media, and a third arrangement for producing an indicationbased on the predetermined status.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, in a device including aprocessing arrangement for controlling operation of the device andincluding an electromechanical digital storage arrangement is described.A status of a particular attribute is established related to operationof the electromechanical digital storage arrangement. Using theprocessing arrangement, the status of the particular attribute ismonitored for use in a further control operation.

In a continuing aspect of the present invention, in an electromechanicalstorage device including a rotatable magnetic media and a headarrangement configured for movement to access the rotatable media andfor moving to a parked position, an assembly includes a firstarrangement for producing a position signal which confirms that the headarrangement is in the parked position and an electrical interconnectionarrangement in electrical communication with the head arrangement foruse in controlling, the head arrangement and which electricalinterconnection arrangement is configured for receiving the positionsignal from the first arrangement for a control use.

In a further aspect of the present invention, in an electromechanicalstorage device including a housing supporting a spin motor for rotatinga magnetic media disk and supporting an actuator arrangement foraccessing the magnetic media disk using at least one head positioned ona distal end of the actuator arrangement, an assembly includes anelectrical interconnection arrangement in electrical communication withsaid actuator arrangement and configured for forming an externalinterface to the storage device. The assembly is further configured suchthat at least a portion of the electrical interconnection arrangement issupported by the housing and includes a parking arrangement supported bythe housing supported portion of the electrical interconnectionarrangement for receiving the distal end of the actuator arm in a parkedposition.

In another aspect of the present invention, as applied to anelectromechanical storage device including a rotatable magnetic mediaand a head arrangement configured for movement to access the rotatablemedia and for moving to a parked position responsive to at least oneparameter in a parking sequence, an arrangement is provided as part ofthe electromechanical storage device, for producing a position signalwhich confirms the parked position of the head arrangement when sopositioned. A calibration procedure is performed using the positionsignal to establish an operational value of the parameter for later usein parking the head arrangement.

In still another aspect of the present invention, as applied to aplurality of electromechanical storage devices each of which includes arotatable magnetic media and a head arrangement configured for movementto access the rotatable media and for moving to a parked positionresponsive to a parking sequence, an arrangement is provided, as part ofeach electromechanical storage device, for producing a position signalwhich confirms the parked position of the head arrangement when sopositioned. A calibration procedure is performed on eachelectromechanical storage device, in which the parking sequence isapplied to each electromechanical storage device with the headarrangement initially in a data access position intended to move thehead arrangement to the parked position. The parking sequence beingrepeatedly performed in a way which establishes a failure configurationof the parking sequence for each electromechanical storage device inwhich failure configuration the head arrangement at least once fails toachieve the parked position. A set of failure configurations, includingat least one failure configuration for each electromechanical storagedevice, is tracked across the plurality of electromechanical storagedevices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may be understood by reference to the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings brieflydescribed below.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram taken directly from U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,751shown here to serve as one focal point for discussion relative to priorart design considerations regarding hard disk drives.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of adevice implemented including a Storage Element of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic plan view illustrating one possible physicalembodiment of the Storage Element of the present invention.

FIGS. 4 a-4 c are diagrammatic timelines illustrating various approachesfor performing data transfers in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 d is a diagram illustrating the status of data stored in anelectronic memory arrangement of the device of the present invention ata particular point in time.

FIG. 5 a is an illustration of one possible appearance of the device ofFIG. 2 produced in accordance with the present invention including adisplay screen and connectable, for example, with a headset, as shown.

FIGS. 5 b-5 g are diagrammatic illustrations of the appearance of thedisplay screen of the device of FIG. 5 a, shown here to illustratepotential operational sequences occurring during interactions with auser of the device performed in accordance with the teachings of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration, in perspective, of a portion ofthe Storage Element of the present invention, shown here for the purposeof describing several embodiments of a highly advantageous headarrangement position sensor.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a position sensingcircuit interfaced with the head arrangement position sensor of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a partial cut-away diagrammatic view of the voice coil motorarm end of the Storage Element of the present invention, shown here tofacilitate discussion of a highly advantageous mechanical shock sensingarrangement implemented in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a mechanical shocksensing circuit interfaced with the mechanical shock sensing arrangementof FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating one possible implementation of aparking calibration method performed in accordance with the presentinvention and utilizing the highly advantageous head position sensingarrangement of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating one possible implementation of aparameter tracking method performing in accordance with the presentinvention and utilizing the head position sensing arrangement of thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating one possible implementation of anadvanced parking control and monitoring sequence performed in accordancewith the present invention and utilizing the head position sensingarrangement of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a test/programming board produced inaccordance with the present invention and interfaced with the StorageElement (partially shown) of the present invention during manufacturingprocedures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Returning now to the drawings, wherein like components are indicated bylike reference numbers throughout the various figures, attention isimmediately directed to FIG. 2, which illustrates an electronic device,generally indicated by the reference number 300, manufactured inaccordance with the present invention. It is to be understood thatdevice 300 is intended to be representative of any number of digitallyimplemented device types including, but not limited to wirelesstelephones, Internet appliances, personal digital assistants, musicplayers, multi-function pagers, multimedia devices or any other deviceadaptable to use permanently installed digital storage of a size that istypically provided using electromechanical, rather than electronicstorage. Moreover, the present invention facilitates the inclusion ofadditional functionality in devices traditionally having more limited,dedicated functionality. For example, a wireless phone may be providedincluding such features as a digital camera and/or a digital musicplayer. Specific teachings with regard to integration of suchfunctionality in particular device types will be provided at appropriatepoints below. The present invention is particularly suited for use indevices which may, at times, be subjected to use in a “hostile”environment in which the device experiences large mechanical shockforces. Portable devices are commonly exposed to such an environment.The present invention, however, is in no way limited to use in portabledevices, but finds application in essentially any form of device that islikely to be subjected, at least briefly, to mechanical shock.

Continuing with a description of FIG. 2, device 300 includes aprocessing arrangement 302 configured for operating the overall device.Processing arrangement 302 includes at least one processor or centralprocessing unit (CPU, not shown). Such a CPU may be designed tocooperate with a chipset (not shown) forming part of the processingarrangement. At the same time, additional, slave CPU's or chips (notshown) may operate at the behest of a master CPU, all of which areconsidered to form the processing arrangement. It should be appreciatedthat all of these configurations are considered as being within thescope of the present invention so long as certain teachings arepracticed, as will be described.

A memory section 304 is associated with processing section 302 which maybe, for example, a suitable form of ROM. Alternatively, the memorysection can be made up of a suitable combination of ROM and RAM whereina volatile RAM portion of the memory section is loaded for deviceoperation during an initial boot-up. Memory section 304 itself includesdevice code 306 and native code 308. The latter will be described indetail below. Device code 306 enables functionality dedicated tooperational and housekeeping tasks common to any particular type ofdevice that is implemented. Moreover, it should be appreciated that theminimum amount of computational power that is commonly needed to operatea device, having somewhat limited dedicated functionality, iscorrespondingly quite limited with respect to the capabilities of theprocessors that are commonly employed in such state-of-the-art devices.As one example, processors in wireless telephones may typically be idlefor a majority of the time. The present invention may rely onunder-utilized capabilities of the processing arrangement in a highlyadvantageous way, as will be described hereinafter.

With continuing reference to FIG. 2, device 300 further comprises a userinterface arrangement 310, for example, in the form of a keypad (onlypartially illustrated). Other items include an electronic memoryarrangement 312 and a Storage Element 320, all of which are connected toprocessing arrangement 302. Buses/interfaces 322 and 324 connect theprocessing arrangement to the Storage Element and electronic memoryarrangement, respectively. Electronic memory arrangement 312 maycomprise volatile memory such as RAM having a predetermined size for usein performing particular operations under control of processingarrangement 302. As one example, the electronic memory arrangement maybe loaded, in a manner yet to be described, with digital music that islater read by the processing arrangement, processed and, thereafter,provided to an audio output jack 325 via a suitable audio section 326.It is noted that, while certain features are described herein withregard to processing and handling digital audio, these descriptions areintended for illustrative purposes only and that the underlying conceptsof the present invention enjoy a broad range of applicability. A digitalinterface 328 is provided having an external connection such that device300 may be connected to an external computer. Suitable interfaceconfigurations include, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB)interface and IEEE 1394. With appropriate software installed on theexternal computer, a user may perform maintenance operations with regardto the content available on Storage Element 320. For example, a user maycreate playlists which are loaded onto the Storage Element. It should beappreciated that any form of digital information may be transferred toor from the Storage Element in this manner.

Storage Element 320 comprises electromechanical storage interfaced todevice 300 by a flexible circuit 330 to be described in further detailalong with descriptions of other components which make up the StorageElement. For the moment, it is sufficient to note that a connector 332is provided which accepts a free end of flexible circuit 330 forpurposes of interfacing Storage Element 320 to processing arrangement302 within device 300 via bus 322.

Native code 308, used by processing arrangement 302, is directed to thesole purpose of operating Storage Element 320. The term native code, asmentioned above, encompasses code that is used in the direct control ofa device that is peripheral to the processing arrangement. Native codeis typically executed by a prior art controller chip and represents thelowest and most direct level of control of the peripheral device. Inaccordance with the present invention, processing arrangement 302controls Storage Element 320 using its native code with no interveningprotocol layers; comprising instructions that are directly received andacted on by components (to be described) in the Storage Element. Notranslation of these native code instructions is performed. In essence,native code is the inherent, executable language of the Storage Element.Prior art controllers serve to receive higher level protocol commandsand interpret these into native code. In view of the foregoingdiscussions, direct control of the Storage Element exemplifies anadvantageous application of potentially unused, but available processingpower of processing arrangement 302. In the event that otherwise unusedcapability is used, device 300 generally exhibits no user-perceptibleperformance degradation, as compared to the same device operatingconventionally; that is, compared to a device in which a dedicatedcontroller executes native code. Moreover, processing power dedicated tothe operation of the Storage Element may deliberately be limited tounused capabilities of a host processor (CPU) already present in thearchitecture of a particular device. Further, a “transitional”configuration may be provided as an interim solution which includes atransitional IC assisting the host processor in the execution of thenative code of the Storage Element. The transitional implementation isadvantageous in requiring minimal hardware changes in a preexisting hostprocessor. Cost associated with the modification in the host processormay be limited so as to be essentially insignificant. That is, themodified processor may be provided for any application previouslyemploying the unmodified processor as well as for new applicationsincluding Storage Element control functionality.

The transitional IC may be integrated in the chipset of the host ICusing, for example, an interface made up of a clock line, one or morecontrol lines and one or more data lines such as NRZ lines. The width ofthis interface may be limited to further reduce impact on the hostprocessor in terms of pin count. The control line or lines, separatefrom the data line or lines, is considered to be advantageous inproviding direct and immediate control over the Storage Element. In theinstance of an interface requiring sharing of control, data anddisk-related data (i.e., servo or “user” data stored by the StorageElement), control delays may be encountered as a result of waiting whiledisk-related data is being transferred. The present inventioncontemplates a need for immediate control, for example, when asufficiently high probability of mechanical shock is predicted. Overtime, functionality present in a transitional IC may migrate into thehost processor. It should be appreciated that the host IC and thetransitional IC may utilize vendor unique commands with regard toimplementation of specialized features of the present invention within aprior art interface arrangement so long as such commands are compatiblewith the overall interface protocol that is used. Where the transitionalIC is configured to respond to one or more vendor unique commands, thehost side requires knowledge of the commands and appropriate programmingon the host side to implement the vendor unique commands. For example, aCompact Flash Interface may be implemented between the transitional ICand the host IC utilizing one or more vendor unique commands. Theforegoing feature will be discussed further at an appropriate pointbelow.

Referring to FIG. 3 in conjunction with FIG. 2, a further advantage ofthe present invention resides in the “visibility” of the Storage Elementto the processing arrangement. Since virtually every aspect of theoperation of the Storage Element is controlled by processing arrangement302 via native code 308, certainty as to the exact operational status ofthe Storage Element is achieved. In this regard, Storage Element 320includes a housing 338. A rotatable magnetic media 340 is rotated by aspin motor 342 which is, in turn, supported by housing 338. A sensorarrangement 344 is positioned by a voice coil motor (VCM) 346 (only aportion of which is shown). The term sensor arrangement isinterchangeable with the terms head arrangement and actuator arm. As isbest seen in FIG. 3, illustrated portions of the VCM include a lowermagnet assembly 348 and a voice coil 350 which is supported on the VCMend of actuator arm 346. The upper magnet assembly is not illustratedfor purposes of clarity. The actuator arm is supported by an actuatorpivot 351 which is, in turn, supported by housing 338 such that thedistal end of the actuator arm opposing the VCM may engage magneticmedia 340. The Storage Element of the present invention is not limitedto the use of magnetic media. Any suitable media may be used such as,for example, optical media so long as the teachings herein arepracticed. It should be appreciated that awareness of the status of thecomponents of the Storage Element is important with regard to exposureto external mechanical shock and further in consideration of otherattributes of the operation of the Storage Element such as, for example,power consumption wherein the status of spin motor 342 is crucial.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the distal end of the actuator arm opposingthe VCM includes a transducer arrangement 352 and a lift tab 354. Itshould be appreciated that flexible circuit 330 includes variousportions serving different components within the Storage Element. A freeend 330 a of the flexible circuit is configured for engaging connector332 (see FIG. 2). A flex carrier platform 356 supports a main portion330 b of the flexible circuit. Flex carrier platform 356 is mounted (notshown) in a suitable way such as, for example, using stand-offs whichengage housing 338. In one highly advantageous feature, a ramp 360 issupported by flex circuit main portion 330 b Ramp 360 is engaged by tab354 on the outermost end of the actuator arm when the actuator arm ismoved into its illustrated parked configuration. Supporting the ramp inthis manner, having the parked actuator arm proximate to the flexiblecircuit, facilitates application of the flexible circuit in confirmingthe parked position of the actuator arm, as will be further described.Other parts of the flexible circuit include an actuator arm connection330 c (also referred to as a dynamic loop of the flexible circuit),which is connected to main portion 330 b, and a flex loop portion 330 dwhich is connected between spindle motor 342 and main portion 330 b.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 1 for the purpose of continuing thediscussion of the visibility aspect of the present invention relative tothe '751 patent. It is important to understand, with regard to prior artFIG. 1, that visibility of peripheral components to the processingarrangement, consisting of CPU 30 and chipset 32, is limited based onconstraints imposed by PCI bus 28. An associated penalty, alluded toabove, resides in a degree of uncertainty accompanying issuance ofcommands through the PCI bus to a controller which interprets thecommands and, in turn, issues native code directly to the peripheral.Applicants are aware that, in some instances, discretion is present inthe way that commands are implemented within the controller. As anexample, in the context of the '751 patent, it is assumed that a readcommand is issued by CPU 30 for the purpose of transferring certain datafrom HDA 28 to RAM 34. Accordingly, the disk (not shown) of the HDA willspin-up prior to reading the data and a sensor (not shown) will then beused to read from the disk. As is well known to one having ordinaryskill in the art, the HDA is especially susceptible to externalmechanical shock during sensor access to the disk. At some pointthereafter, the requested data will return via the PCI bus. From theperspective of the present invention, it is of interest that the statusof the HDA disk motor and the sensor may be unknown. Specifically, thetime at which the spin motor spins down and the sensor is parked areunder control of the metrics of PCI mass storage IC 14, serving here asa controller. For example, the HDA spin motor may spin down if anadditional command is not received within a predetermined period oftime. Thus, spin down may occur long after completion of the requesteddata transfer. CPU 30 has no way of establishing the status of the HDAdisk motor beyond issuing a “spin down” command, which may or may not beavailable, depending upon the protocol in use. Essentially, this is anopen loop arrangement which is considered by Applicants as beingunacceptable.

Attention is now directed to another prior art interface, CF+ which ismentioned above with regard to its use in the IBM Microdrive, in furtherexamining discretion in command implementation with its accompanyingproblems. CF+ is an expanded version of CompactFlash that is enhanced toencompass various I/O devices including magnetic disk data storage. CF+implements a CF-ATA command set which is taken from the ATA interface ofIDE (Integrated Drive Electronics). One aspect of drive operation thatis of particular interest with regard to the present invention residesin an awareness of the status of the head arrangement. Generally, asdescribed, the head arrangement may be parked so as to provide itshighest resistance to mechanical shock. It should be appreciated,however, that even though a head arrangement is not reading or writingdata, it may be left in a floating state. One IDE command encompassed byCF+ is “Idle Immediate” (see page 74 of the CF+ specification).Typically, an idle state means that the spin motor is spinning, butthere is no required status as to the head arrangement. That is, thehead arrangement could be parked or floating. The actual status is leftto the discretion of the implementer. The CF+ specification and IDE/ATAitself are therefore ambiguous with regard to head arrangement status inIdle. Other CompactFlash commands which exhibit similar ambiguityinclude Idle, Standby, Standby Immediate and Set Sleep Mode. While thedesigners of the interface perhaps considered this ambiguity asadvantageous in allowing design flexibility, the present inventionconsiders this ambiguity as unacceptable in view of the contemplatedoperating environment.

Unfortunately, the commands described immediately above are implementedin an open loop manner whereby no confirmation of actually accomplishinga physical act thought to be associated with the command is provided.The commands merely require clear BSY and generate an interrupt withoutdefining an associated hardware status. The response may be generated asa mere response to receipt of the command by the receiving electronics.Thus, the capability to be certain as to the operational state orcondition of a peripheral is limited at best and may be essentiallynonexistent.

The present invention, in contrast, resolves this ambiguity throughoperating using the processing arrangement of the overall device indirect native code communication with the Storage Element while, at thesame time, serving the entire device. That is, among many availablecontrol actions, the processing arrangement directly executes headparking using native code. In this way, there is no discretion as toimplementation of an “intermediate” command which requires translationby a controller to, in turn, operate the peripheral device. Further, aswill be seen, highly advantageous provisions are available forconfirming the positional status of the head arrangement as well asother operational aspects of the Storage Element of the presentinvention. Again, such monitoring provisions, in being implemented withdirect control by the processing arrangement, do not exhibit the commandambiguity seen, for example, in IDE and PCI. Moreover, the presentinvention incorporates highly advantageous status monitoringcapabilities which are implemented via native code control and which aresubmitted to provide sweeping advantages when operating in a potentiallyhostile environment, as will be described in detail at an appropriatepoint hereinafter.

Any degree of discretion permitted in command execution is considered asproblematic, particularly with respect to operation where potentialexposure to mechanical shock is a reality. The processing arrangementand Storage Element of the present invention cooperate in a heretoforeunseen way wherein the processing arrangement directly controls theStorage Element in a series of control events forming a data interchangesequence. The latter is typically initiated when no more than an initialportion of the user interaction defines no more than an initial portionof the data interchange sequence. Entry of a command during a userinteraction is interpreted “on-the-fly” by processing arrangement 302 ina way that serves to define control events that are related to thenative code of the device that is being controlled. Additional controlevents are then executable immediately upon interpretation, withcontinuing command entry by the user. Thus, the present invention copeswith potential exposure to mechanical shock, in the first instance,through an intimate awareness of the operational status of ashock-sensitive peripheral. Still further features cooperate with thisinitial feature, as will be seen.

As described above, even prior art hard drives resist mechanical shockat relatively high levels when the actuator is parked and the spin motoris not spinning. Storage Element 320 is similar in this regard,including still further features which enhance its resistance tomechanical shock beyond the capabilities of prior art drives. Variousones of these features will be taken up at appropriate points in thediscussion below. Electronic memory, on the other hand, is immune tomechanical shock for practical purposes. In this context, the presentinvention recognizes that placing Storage Element 320 into its mostmechanical shock-resistant state, which may be referred to as its “safestate”, is highly advantageous when exposure to shock events is morelikely. Of course, electronic memory arrangement 312 remains usableirrespective of the potential mechanical shock exposure environment.

Under the assumption that device 300 comprises a cellular telephoneincorporating a music player, it should be appreciated that suchportable device genres may be subjected to significant levels ofmechanical shock, for example, in being dropped or hit. The presentinvention recognizes that a device such as a cellular telephone is usedin a general way which characteristically includes periods of timeduring which the phone/player combo is not likely to receive asignificant mechanical shock. In particular, during actual access by theuser of the device, for example, participating in a call, the deviceexperiences a stable environmental condition. At other times, when thephone is not in use, the environment, relative to mechanical shock, isnot so predictable. Such times include storage of the phone, forexample, on a belt clip or in a purse. Even more precarious timesinclude those times during which the user transitions the device fromactual use to storage and vice versa. It is submitted that thetransition time is the most hazardous since the user may drop thedevice, thereby subjecting it to high mechanical shock. Therefore,device 300 is configured so as to utilize Storage Element 320 primarilyduring user access while avoiding the use of the Storage Element duringtransition times which immediately precede and follow user accessperiods. Details with regard to implementation of this highlyadvantageous configuration are provided immediately hereinafter.

Referring to FIG. 2, in order to further mitigate the potential forsubjecting device 300 to mechanical shock, the device includes aheadphone receptacle disconnect feature. Accordingly, processingarrangement 302 unloads the Storage Element heads responsive todisconnect of a headphone plug 362 from device receptacle 325. Hence, ifthe device has been dropped, the heads are unloaded prior to contact ofthe device with the ground. In order to further enhance this feature andassuming that a headset 364 (or earpiece) is positioned on the user'shead during playback, the length of a cable 366 leading to the headsetand connected to the receptacle may be selected whereby disconnectionwill generally occur prior to the device contacting the ground. Stillfurther benefit may be derived by providing elasticity in the headsetcable. In an associated feature, head unloading time defines a minimumheadphone disconnect drop height, above which there is sufficient timeto accomplish the unloading operation, but below which there isinsufficient time to perform head unloading. When the device is droppedbelow the minimum headphone disconnect height, shock susceptibility maybe reduced or effectively eliminated due to protection imparted by ashock isolation mounting system provided for the Storage Element inconjunction with initial near proximity to the ground.

Having described certain physical attributes of device 300, attention isnow directed to FIG. 4 a in conjunction with FIG. 2. The former figureillustrates the operation of device 300, in accordance with the presentinvention, under a first operational scenario. A timeline is indicatedby the reference number 400 with individual time periods from t₀ to t₃₂.A user interaction 402 takes place via user interface arrangement 310and is made up of a sequence of individual commands. Initiation of theuser interaction begins with the user actuating a song selection/playbutton 404 (FIG. 2). Thereafter, commands are used to select three songsto be played by the device. It is noted that selection of eachindividual song is not illustrated in the user interaction for purposesof simplicity. One example of a command sequence in selecting songs toplay might be to initially depress play button 404. The initialactuation of the play button occurs over time periods t₀ to t₄. The usermight then use numerical menu indications (not shown) within a song menuto enter specific songs from the list over the interval comprising timeperiods t₄ to t₂₃. Songs may be selected either as a group orindividually. It is noted that a limited number of song titles areselected in the present example for clarity of illustration; however,any number of song titles may be selected, limited only by theconstraints of the physical storage available in device 300.

For further purposes of the present example, all three selections aremade in the form of a set at one point in time such that associated datatransfers may be performed without intervening delays. Having selectedthese songs, the user concludes the command by again engaging playbutton 404 in a predetermined way, as will be described, over t₂₃ tot₂₈.

Initially, the digital data representative of each of the songselections is stored by Storage Element 320. Conversion of the digitalinformation to an audio signal by processing arrangement 302, ultimatelyto be made available to a user at audio jack 325, first requires movingthe data associated with the songs from Storage Element 320 toelectronic memory arrangement 312. As mentioned above, playing the songsfrom electronic memory arrangement 320 is performed with relativeimmunity to mechanical shock, after moving the corresponding data fromStorage Element 320 to the electronic memory arrangement. During thecourse of user interaction 402, processing arrangement 302 monitors theuser interaction to interpret user input commands, as represented by acommand entry line 406.

Processing arrangement 302 monitors user interaction 402 for theearliest possible indication that a data transfer involving StorageElement 320 is imminent. That point may be chosen, for example, as thattime when the user views a song selection menu on a display screen (notshown) of the cell phone/music player device, when the user firstdepresses play button 404, when the user depresses a player selectionbutton or device operation branches to player-oriented features during amenu-driven selection sequence being performed by the user. Rather thanwait until user command period 402 is complete at t₂₈, processingarrangement 302 immediately readies Storage Element 320 for the access.

In the present example, the chosen point in time is selected as t₀, whenplay button 404 is first actuated. Accordingly, processing arrangement302 responds by spinning up rotatable media 340. The spin-up event isshown in a data transfer execution line 408, indicated as S/U, beginningat time t₀ and continuing up to time t₄. It is noted that the spin-upprocess can comprise the most time consuming event in the overalloperation of Storage Element 320. For this reason, anticipation of thepending data access, in the manner taught by the present invention, isconsidered to be highly advantageous. Further in this regard, spin-uptime is not an arbitrary factor, but rather, can be controlled toprovide optimum results. A number of factors should be weighed in thisoptimization including, for example, the fact that mandating a very fastspin-up in a portable device may result in shortened battery life. Stillother factors affect the rate at which data transfers can beaccomplished. Among these are the speed at which the magnetic media diskis rotated. It is noted that the typical point at which the prior artinitiates command execution (i.e., spin-up) is typically at t₂₈. Thepresent invention achieves a sweeping advantage, in terms of mechanicalshock protection, by initiating command execution at a far earlierchosen point in time.

Having accomplished spin-up, data transfers can be accomplished in veryrapid succession thereafter. In this regard, transfers illustrated inthe present figures are shown as each taking one time period, while thespin-up time is shown as taking four time periods. It should beappreciated, however, that the time durations of the spin-up and datatransfers may vary relative to one another according to particularimplementations. The data transfers are indicated as T1-T3 wherein oneof the transfers is associated with each song to be played. The presentinvention recognizes that the duration of data transfers to and from theelectronic memory arrangement can be controlled in an affirmative mannerthat is not only operationally effective with regard to limitingexposure of Storage Element 320 to mechanical shock, but is alsocost-effective.

Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 4 a, data transfer T1 begins at time t₈,immediately upon completion of entry of transfer command 406. TransfersT2 and T3 begin at times t₉ and t₁₀, respectively. In essence, eachtransfer requires a data interchange sequence defining a series ofcontrol events that are discreetly executable by processing arrangement302. As noted above, each transfer is completed in a single time period.Following completion of transfer T3 at time t₁₁, processing arrangement302 “shuts down” the Storage Element spin motor and parks its headsensor arrangement over time periods t₁₁ and t₁₂, indicated as S/D, toplace the Storage Element in the safe state. In this regard, it is notedthat the shut-down process may be somewhat long compared to the datatransfer times, again depending upon the particular implementation. Themore important component of the process essentially consists ofunloading sensor arrangement 344 to its mechanical shock-resistantparked position. It should be appreciated that this latter operation canbe performed in a rapid manner. For example, prior art hard drives arecapable of parking the actuator or sensor arrangement in time periods onthe order of 200 milliseconds. With certain enhancements, the presentinvention contemplates parking of sensor arrangement 344 of StorageElement 320 in a time period of no more than approximately 100milliseconds. In any case, time periods of these orders of magnitude aretypically far shorter than responses seen as a result of humaninteraction. In the present example, the command period of userinteraction 402 extends considerably beyond completion of transfercommand 406 such that the Storage Element has long since been placedinto its safe state pending a potential mechanical shock event during asubsequent transitional movement by the user. Alternative scenarios willbe presented below.

Still considering FIG. 4 a, it is important to understand that thecapability of the present invention to provide for the best protectionagainst mechanical shock for the Storage Element during the transitoryperiod is derived from beginning the command execution sequence at thesoonest possible moment. This precept allows for completion ofassociated data transfers at the soonest possible time, even prior toconclusion of the user interaction. The beginning of data transferexecution may be delayed somewhat, for example, by initiating thespin-up at the conclusion of the initial actuation of play button 404 attime t₄ or even until conclusion of transfer command entry at time t₈.In this regard, it is noted that nine time periods make up the actualspin-up, data transfer and spin down operations. Therefore, spin-upcould be initiated as late as time t₁₉ in order to successfully completeall of the operations by time t₂₈. It should be mentioned that thiscapability is available, at least in part, as a result of the intimatecontrol and awareness present between processing arrangement 302 andStorage Element 320 enabled by running native code in the processingarrangement. As will be described below, a number of features may beprovided to ensure that data transfer operations are at least partiallycomplete and return to the safe state is accomplished prior to a usertransition of the device.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4 b, one highly advantageous feature of thepresent invention, relating to mechanical shock resistance of StorageElement 320, resides in control of the size of data transfers to andfrom the Storage Element. For descriptive purposes, FIG. 4 b illustratesa transfer command entry 410 interpreted over time periods t₁₉ throught₂₃ to define T1-T3. It should be appreciated that these transfersutilize electronic memory arrangement 312. Spin-up occurs concurrentwith transfer command entry. By sufficiently limiting the overallstorage capacity of the electronic memory arrangement, the duration oftime required by any data transfer is limited to the corresponding timethat is required to fill electronic memory arrangement 312. In theexample of FIG. 4 b, it is assumed that the electronic memoryarrangement can be filled (or completely written to Storage Element 320)and then spun down by processing arrangement 302 in no more than fivetime periods, providing for completion of data transfers T1-T3.Hereinafter, this specific length of time may be referred to as the“memory fill” time period indicated by the reference number 412. In thisconnection, the reader is reminded that the user of device 300 isrequired to actuate play button 404 so as to conclude the userinteraction. In order to ensure that all data transfers involvingStorage Element 320 are completed at or before the conclusion of theuser interaction, the user is required to press play button 404 for atime period that is at least as long as the memory fill time or mayrequire a confirmation action (such as, for example, subsequentlydepressing a button). This actuation of the play button may be referredto hereinafter as “play initiation” or “command initiation”. Again, suchtime durations, as contemplated here, are extremely short in terms ofhuman perception. As a practical example, the present inventioncontemplates a memory fill time of approximately 2-4 seconds using anelectronic memory arrangement having a capacity of 32 MB. It should bementioned that limiting the size of the electronic memory arrangement isattended by the further advantage of cost savings. As will be seen, thepresent invention uses the electronic memory arrangement in ways thatmight lead a user to believe that an electronic memory of a much greatersize has been provided. Of course, larger size electronic memories maybe employed while still practicing the teachings disclosed herein byappropriately setting a maximum size data transfer.

Other modifications are equally within the scope of the presentinvention. For example, the Storage Element spin-up time may be includedas part of the memory fill time to define an “extended memory filltime”. In this instance, the user is required to press play button 404for the additional length of time encompassing the drive spin-up time.The Storage Element spin-up time may be on the order of, for example,less than 500 milliseconds. In the event that the user fails to depressthe play button for a sufficient period of time, an audio and/or visualalert may be provided. Moreover, insufficient actuation of the playbutton may trigger an immediate shutdown of the Storage Element,ignoring any pending data transfers in order to avoid the mechanicalshock threat which is present during user transitioning of the device,following the incomplete user interaction. In the presence of suchconstraints placed upon the user, it is considered that the user willquickly learn to use the device consistent with imposed requirements forbest protecting Storage Element 320 from the risk presented bymechanical shock. Even with the foregoing operational constraints inplace, it is considered that a user may operate and treat device 300 inessentially the same manner as a device conventionally configuredwithout Storage Element 320. That is, any differences are intended to beessentially inconsequential from the viewpoint of the user. As analternative, presentation of a play option may be precluded until suchtime that data transfers from the Storage Element to memory have beencompleted.

Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 4 c, in one feature associated with the useof a limited size electronic memory arrangement, the present inventionoperates in an opportunistic manner when handling data transfers thatare larger than the memory fill size. FIG. 4 c illustrates a userinteraction sequence 420 having a first User Access Event which itselfdefines six data transfers having a combined size that is twice the sizeof electronic memory arrangement 312. That is, the user interactiondefines a total transfer size that exceeds the capacity of theelectronic memory arrangement. The first user interaction begins at t₀and continues until time t₁₁ upon release of play button 404 or othersuch identifiable event. The six transfer commands are entered during atransfer command entry period 422. In the present example, the firstthree transfers are selected as a group while the last three areindividually selected. The user may have selected the song items to beplayed by viewing different song lists in some random order, therebycreating an extended command entry period having idle times betweenselections. Again, this command entry period has been shown in a waythat accommodates illustrative limitations of the present forum which,when drawn in proportion, would appear much longer in duration compared,for example, to transfer times. Individual transfer commands are notshown in User Access Event 1 for purposes of simplicity.

Spin-up of rotatable media 340 of Storage Element 320 is initiated attime t₀ with actuation of play button 404 (indicated as P/B), prior totransfer selections made by the user. Transfer of the digital datacorresponding to the first song selection ensues on a data transferexecution line 424 at a time during the transfer command entry when theuser selects the song corresponding to T1. Thus, in the present example,command execution begins not only prior to the end of user interaction400, but even before actual completion of command entry 422 by the user.Alternatively, spin-up of the Storage Element magnetic media may bedelayed until time t₂, corresponding to the definition of transfer T1being available, in view of the ongoing entry of the transfer commandsequence during transfer command entry 422; however, entry into the safestate of the Storage Element is thereafter delayed by a portion of thespin-up time.

By initiating spin-up upon detection of actuation of the play button,each of the T1-T3 data transfers may be performed almost simultaneouslywith the associated command defined within User Access Event 1. Asmentioned above, it is also considered to be advantageous to spin-upresponsive to a menu selection sequence initiated by the user at a pointwhich branches to player functionality. In any case, for playinitiation, the user is required to depress play button 404 for thepredetermined period of time from t₆ to t₁₁, corresponding to that timewhich is required to completely fill electronic memory arrangement 312after the command entry selections. The actuation is indicated as playinitiate (PI) in user interaction 420. It is observed that the transfersare complete and the Storage Element is placed into its safe state wellbefore the earliest time (t₁₁) at which the user may release the playbutton for play initiation of all pending data transfers. In the eventthat the user fails to successfully play initiate the selections, thepending transfers may be canceled and the Storage Element immediatelyplaced into its safe state. At the same time, an error signal may beprovided to the user. The error signal serves at least two purposes.First, it informs the user that an error was made such that the user maymodify future selection entry to avoid the inconvenience of canceledselection transfers. Second, the error signal is intended to introduce adelay prior to the user transitioning the device, for example, to a beltclip or purse. In this regard, it is considered that even the slightestdelay on behalf of the user will provide for proper entry of the StorageElement into the safe state prior to transitioning of the device. Asanother alternative, the Storage Element may be placed in the safe stateimmediately upon indication by the user that no additional selectionsare to be made which would require an associated transfer. For example,upon being presented with a screen display asking, either alone or asone choice in an overall menu, “Make another selection? y=1, n=2. x?”,an “n” or “no” choice may result in immediately placing the StorageElement into the safe state, irrespective the status of ongoing and/orpending transfers. In most cases, it is considered that a majority ofthe transfers requested by the user will opportunistically be completedwhile the user interaction is underway. Still further alternatives maybe developed by one having ordinary skill in the art in view of thisoverall disclosure.

Having filled the electronic memory arrangement using T1-T3, the datastored therein may be used in any suitable way. For exemplary purposes,the present discussion assumes that the data is used to generate a musicsignal during an interval labeled as I1. The present example furtherassumes that the data is used to form the music signal at a rate that isone-sixth the rate at which the data may be transferred. Of course, suchdata is much more likely to be used at a far slower rate, in comparisonwith the data transfer times. For the purpose of playing music fileswith state-of-the-art compression, Applicants contemplate a play time ofapproximately 60 minutes where the electronic memory arrangement has asize of approximately 32 MB. Because the user-defined transfer isincomplete until such time that all six song selections have been madeavailable for listening, processing arrangement 302 is advantageouslyconfigured for tracking use of the data that is stored by the electronicmemory arrangement.

With regard to mechanical shock, it is desirable to perform theremaining data transfers, comprising T4-T6, so as to limit potentialexposure of Storage Element 320. In accordance with the presentinvention, the remaining data transfers are performed at one or moreopportune times. In the present example, one additional transfer of allthree remaining song titles is capable of completely filling electronicmemory arrangement 312. Such a transfer would include all of T4-T6.According to the teachings above, the most opportune time to performdata transfers is generally during a user access. Unfortunately, becausethe precise timing of subsequent user accesses is unknown, there is nocertainty as to a user access taking place at the precise time whenplayback of the three initial transfers concludes. As will be seen, thepresent invention provides a highly advantageous feature to address thisproblem in an effective manner.

It should be remembered that user accesses are performed for variouspurposes. In the present example, accesses may be performed for thepurpose of selecting songs to be played or to use other features ofdevice 300, for example, in telecommunications modes which may includereceiving and originating telephone calls and/or the implementation ofother messaging services such as paging and sending and/or receivinge-mails. When device 300 is used for any of these other intendedpurposes, the associated user access, like the access for the purpose ofentering song selections, is likewise less subject to the receipt of amechanical shock. For this reason, device 300 is configured toopportunistically execute data transfers involving Storage Element 320during user accesses whenever possible.

Referring to FIG. 4 d in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 4 c, one importantfeature associated with this opportunistic configuration resides inreplacing “used” data resident in electronic memory arrangement 312during subsequent user accesses, irrespective of the specific purpose towhich the subsequent user accesses might be directed. For purposes ofillustrating this feature, user interaction 420 includes a series ofinteractions, labeled as User Access Events 2-4, subsequent to UserAccess Event 1. It is assumed, for illustrative purposes, that each ofthese subsequent events involves using device 300 in atelecommunications mode, for example, receiving or originating atelephone call, such that playback of audio data stored in theelectronic memory arrangement 312 ceases for the duration of the call.At time t₁₇, User Access Event 2 is initiated. Playback of audio datastored by electronic memory arrangement 312 takes place during aninterval 11 from the conclusion of playback initiation at t₁₁ to t₁₇. Atthe onset of User Access Event 2, six playback time periods haveelapsed, corresponding to the playback of the song associated with theT1 transfer. It should be remembered that the duration of the subsequentuser events has been illustrated as being extremely short in order tofit these events into FIG. 4 d. In reality, it is likely that these userevents would appear extremely long relative to events such as placingStorage Element 320 into its safe state. Nonetheless, the concepts ofthe present invention remain effective, even in the face of theextremely short user access intervals illustrated.

FIG. 4 d illustrates the state of electronic memory arrangement 312 att₁₇. One-third of the stored data has been used during I1; while thedata transferred in T2 and T3 remains unused, filling the remainingtwo-thirds of the capacity of the electronic memory arrangement. WhenUser Access Event 2 is initiated at t₁₇, processing arrangement 302recognizes the opportunity to safely replace the used T1 data containedby the electronic memory arrangement. Accordingly, magnetic media 340 ofthe Storage Element is spun up at t₁₇ for the purpose of transferring T4at time t₂₀. Immediately thereafter, the Storage Element is placed intoits safe state. As illustrated in FIG. 4 c, this process is repeated fortransfers T5 and T6 at User Access Events 3 and 4, respectively. Thedata stored in the electronic memory arrangement 312 corresponding tothe T2 transfer is replaced by the T5 transfer, while the datacorresponding to the T3 transfer is replaced by the T6 transfer,respectively. Processing arrangement 302, operating as described, hasorchestrated a highly advantageous cooperation taking place between theelectronic memory arrangement and the Storage Element that istransparent to the user. In the instance of events which necessitateceasing audio playback such as, for example, receipt or initiation of acall, it is generally considered to be desirable to require the user tore-initiate audio playback even though audio playback could resumeautomatically. Re-initiation serves the purpose of confirming that theuser indeed wishes to continue listening to audio that is electronicallysaved. This subsequent event re-initiation has not been illustrated inFIG. 4 c due to drawing space limitations. In one feature, the user mayreceive a prompt to view a menu with various selections as to the use ofelectronically saved data. As an example, the menu selections mightinclude: 1) Resume audio playback; 2) Add more playback selections; 3)Edit playback selections; 4) Suspend playback until later; and 5) Erasecurrent selections.

It should be appreciated that there may be times when no subsequent useraccess events occur to enable opportunistic performance of datatransfers. The behavior of device 300 can be controlled, under suchcircumstances, so as to implement a desired level of mechanical shockprotection for the Storage Element. In order to provide the highestpossible level of protection, the device may signal to the user, viaprocessing arrangement 302, that it has run out of data to play and,thereafter, stop playing. For example, an audio statement may voiceoverthe playback audio saying, for example, “Please refresh the song playlist.” Visual notifications may be provided as an alternative oraccompanying the voiceover. Alternatively, the device may be configuredto repeat playback of the data that is already present in the electronicmemory arrangement. The user then has the option of initiating a userinteraction in order to permit an opportunity to refresh data stored bythe electronic memory arrangement.

The present invention provides a particular feature which is consideredto be highly advantageous, for example, in the context of refreshing theelectronic memory arrangement. Specifically, an arrangement and methodare disclosed for monitoring the environment of the Storage Element. Oneaspect of environmental monitoring that is encompassed is measurement ofmechanical shock at the location of the Storage Element. Thus, ratherthan attempting to control the environment by requiring a userinteraction to refresh the electronic memory, the processing arrangementmay observe the current shock environment and/or a record thereof inmaking an assessment as to whether the current environment is safeenough to proceed with a “refresh” transfer. These environmentalmonitoring features will be described in detail at appropriate pointsbelow.

Inputs or events, other than user accesses, may take place whichultimately require use of the Storage Element so as to create pendingdata transfers. In the absence of a user access coincident with theinput, however, it is preferred to store data in the electronic memoryarrangement. For example, an incoming email or voice message may bereceived. Under such circumstances, the present invention contemplateselectronic storage, at least temporarily, within electronic memoryarrangement 312. For example, an incoming email or voicemail message mayalways be given storage priority over digital music stored in theelectronic memory arrangement. Initially, audio data that has alreadybeen played back may be replaced. When a user access is thereafterinitiated, such as a telephone call, the electronically stored messagesmay opportunistically be moved from electronic storage to the StorageElement in a manner that is consistent with the foregoing descriptions.

Under the aforedescribed situation in which pending data transfers aredefined as a result of the limited storage capacity of the electronicmemory arrangement, another operational condition may arise wherein asubsequent event itself requires access to the Storage Element. In thisinstance, the associated transfers may be performed in a sequential orinterleaved manner. The reader is again reminded that the combined sizeof all transfers is limited by the capacity of the electronic memoryarrangement which, in turn, limits the potential time duration of a“memory fill” transfer. Additional priorities may be prescribed suchthat communications transfers (e.g., voice and email) have priority overmusic data transfers.

When an incoming message such as, for example, a voice mail or email isof a size that is larger than the electronic memory arrangement, storageof the message may begin in the electronic memory arrangement. In theabsence of a user interaction, the user may be notified of the incomingmessage in a suitable manner so as to initiate a user interaction. Ifthe user is unavailable, the highest level of protection for the StorageElement mandates postponing receipt of that particular message until amore opportune time.

In view of the foregoing, attention is now directed to the commanddesign concept and command interpreter of the present invention. Havingthe highly advantageous recognition in hand that command entry andexecution may occur concurrently, rather than sequentially, Applicantsfurther recognize that cooperation between the processing arrangement,Storage Element and electronic memory arrangement can provide even moreenhancement with regard to completion of data transfers in the mostexpedient manner possible, relative to a specific command. Inparticular, the present invention provides for “building” or designingcommands in a way which is thought to implement the most rapid possibleexecution of associated data transfers. One example, seen frequently inthe foregoing discussions, resides in when the command specifies spin-upof the rotatable media of the Storage Element. In one feature, spin-upof media 340 of Storage Element 320 takes place once the number ofdefined transfers have a combined capacity that approaches or exceedsthe storage capacity of electronic memory arrangement 312. Thus,referring again to FIG. 4 c, assuming that transfers T1-T3 equal thecapacity of electronic memory arrangement 340 and further assuming thatT1-T3 are all defined at time t₄ (during entry of transfer command 422),spin-up (not shown) takes place at t₄. In association with this feature,the command interpreter may on-the-fly examine the size of each transferas it is defined to monitor the overall size of the combination ofdefined transfers. A determination may be made, for example, of anaverage size transfer. At a point during user selections when thecombined total size of all transfers leaves less space available in theelectronic memory arrangement than one average size transfer, spin-upmay be initiated. In other words, spin-up occurs when the user is withinone average size selection of memory fill.

The command interpreter of the present invention may also establishoptimum spin-up time based on the rate of user activity during entry oftransfer commands. For example, the command interpreter of the presentinvention may monitor the rate at which a user makes selections. In thisway, an average selection rate can be established such that optimumspin-up time is determinable based, at least in part, on the averageselection rate. The optimum spin-up time is determined, in essence,based on the user's history in making selections, it can be estimated atwhat time the user will have made a sufficient number of selections tofill or nearly fill the electronic memory. It should be appreciated thatthe objective of these various features is to spin the rotatable mediafor a minimal amount of time necessary. In other words, it is desirableto begin transfers as soon as possible during a command entry sequence,but to avoid idle times between defined transfers such that the StorageElement is generally experiencing data transfers when it is spinningwhereby to save battery power as one advantage. The described featuresmay be combined in any suitable manner in order to accomplish theseobjectives.

Command design is also important with regard to implementation of otherfeatures such as the play initiate feature, described above, whichserves to ensure that the Storage Element is in its safe state prior tothe conclusion of a user interaction. In this connection, it should beappreciated that commands issued through the present invention encompassthe complexity of the native code of the device being controlled. It issubmitted that the absence of intervening layers of protocol provides,to a large degree, the capability to design commands in accordance withthe teachings herein. Other features, typical of control events, thatare at the discretion of the command designer include but are notlimited to head and spin motor status. As will be further described, thepresent invention contemplates environmental status as a factor incommand execution.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 5 a which illustrates an external viewof one potential implementation of device 300. Device 300 mayselectively incorporate any of the features and concepts describedherein with regard to those described in this overall disclosure.Accordingly, the device may comprise a hybrid combining thefunctionality of two or more separate prior art devices. Specifically,the combination of a wireless or cellular telephone and a digital musicplayer is implemented in device 300. The latter includes a housing 450,a user accessible keypad 452, a speaker area 454 positionable proximateto a user's ear, a microphone having a sound pickup (neither of which isshown) at an appropriate location on housing 450 and a display screen460. Storage Element 320 is mounted using mechanical shock isolationfeatures within housing 450, but is not visible in the presentillustration. Since the capability to play digital music is provided,device 300 further includes an audio output jack such as indicated bythe reference number 325 in FIG. 2. The audio output jack is selectivelyconnectable, for example, with audio headset 364 or any other earpiecearrangement suited for individual listening. Alternatively, the outputmay be provided to an audio or computer system. As described above,device 300 may incorporate a digital interface (see interface 328 inFIG. 2) at a suitable location on the housing. In this way, the devicemay interface with a user's computer at least for purposes of monitoringand controlling the digital music or other data saved on the StorageElement. The present invention further contemplates connection of device300 to another portable device including, but not limited to another,identical portable device for purposes of data sharing.

Turning now to FIG. 5 b in conjunction with FIG. 5 a, a series of screenshots will be described illustrating the operation of device 300primarily with respect to its digital music mode and associatedfeatures. FIG. 5 b illustrates screen 460 of device 300 wherein aselection menu is presented to the user. The user may select either“Phone” or “Player”, for example, by using up and down arrow keys 464and 466, respectively, on keypad 452. In the present example, it isassumed that the user selects the Player option.

After selection of the Player mode, FIG. 5 c illustrates one possiblepresentation given on screen 460. Upon entering the player mode, itshould be appreciated that the user may have previously been using theplayer only to be interrupted by a telephone call or perhaps may havestopped playback for some other reason at a point during a playlist.Accordingly, a menu is presented having four choices including “ResumePlay”, “Review Playlists”, “Create New Playlist” and “Previous Menu”.The “Resume Play” selection starts play of a previously selectedplaylist at the point where playback was last stopped or paused. Such apreviously selected playlist will remain available in electronic memoryarrangement 312 (see FIG. 2) until such time that the user chooses toreplace it. The “Review Playlists” selection permits the user to selectany previously created playlist available on the Storage Element.Playlists may be created using keypad 452 and display 460 or may becreated using an external computer interfaced with device 300 via itsUSB interface port (FIG. 2) or other suitable interface arrangements.The former process is initiated with the selection of the “Create NewPlaylist” selection. Selection of “Previous Menu” returns the user tothe display of FIG. 5 b.

Turning to FIG. 5 d, for purposes of this figure, it is assumed that the“Review Playlist” selection was made in FIG. 5 c. Consistent with thisselection, a playlist menu is illustrated in FIG. 5 d. The presentexample illustrates the display of Playlists 1-3 as well as the optionto select “More Playlists” wherein the choices corresponding toPlaylists 4-6 may be displayed (not shown) along with continuing todisplay the “More Playlists” selection where still further playlists areavailable. While the playlists described here are generically numbered,the user may create customized names that are displayed in associationwith each playlist. For example, the artist's name and/or the title ofthe work may be displayed.

Selection of one of the playlists on the screen of FIG. 5 d results inthe presentation of screen 460 of FIG. 5 e. Selection options arepresented for “Song 1”, “Song 2” and “Song 3”. Selection of any one ofthese initiates playback of the associated song from electronic memoryarrangement 300. Again, the songs have been generically numbered here,but the user is readily provided with the option of customizing the songnames, for example, with the actual song title. Additional options maybe selected in FIG. 5 e including “More Songs” which presents the nextthree song selections and which may be repeated until the playlist hasbeen exhausted. A “Load Playlist” selection returns the user to thedisplay of FIG. 5 d. The user may alternatively select “Edit Playlist”for the purpose of modifying an existing playlist or for creating a newplaylist.

Referring to FIGS. 5 d and 5 f, selection of one of the playlists shownin the display of FIG. 5 d that is available on Storage Element 320, butwhich is not currently available in electronic memory arrangement 312requires transfer of the associated data from the Storage Element to theelectronic memory arrangement. Consistent with the desire to protect theStorage Element during data accesses, as described above, theillustrated “Loading” screen or a similar such display may be presentedto the user during the data transfer. This screen may be presented, forexample, corresponding to the time during which the Storage Element isnot in its aforedescribed safe state.

Referring to FIG. 5 g in conjunction with FIG. 5 f, after the StorageElement has returned to its safe state, a “Play” and “Previous Menu”selection are presented to the user. Generally, in this situation theuser is awaiting availability of the playlist for immediate listening(i.e., viewing the display of FIG. 50 and is thought to be very likelyto wait the few seconds required until the display of FIG. 5 g ispresented in order to make the “Play” selection. Thus, the user is giventhe option to initiate playback only after the Storage Element is in itssafe state. Any of the foregoing screen displays may be modified in anysuitable manner while remaining within the scope of the presentinvention.

Referring again to FIG. 3, attention is now directed to certain aspectsof the arrangement and operation of electronic components as part ofStorage Element 300. In particular, a channel IC 500 is physicallysupported by and in electrical communication via main portion 330 b offlexible circuit 330. A pre-amp IC 502 is also supported on portion 330b of the flexible circuit. One advantage attendant to positioning thechannel IC on the flexible circuit resides in eliminating the need for aprinted circuit board (PCB) as part of the Storage Element. It should bementioned that main portion 330 b of the flexible circuit is “wrapped”around flex carrier platform 356 such that signal routing and componentsmay be mounted on the flexible circuit below the flex carrier platform.One component so positioned, in the present example, is a servo IC. Ofcourse, such components are not visible in the present illustration.Main portion 330 b of the flexible circuit may be bonded to platform 356in any appropriate manner including, but not limited to the use of asuitable adhesive.

At first blush, it may appear that locating these three IC's in theStorage Element is readily accomplished. However, in the instance ofchannel IC 500, a number of complications, which are neither trivial norobvious, must be overcome in order to locate it on the flexible circuit.Not the least of these complications relates to noise encountered on theflexible circuit. The various signals carried by the flexible circuitinclude, for example, control signals that are digitally generated withextremely fast rise and fall times; also referred to as “sharp edges”.One of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that the edges of such highlevel control signals produce considerable interference in the form ofradiated energy. At the same time, raw data passes through pre-amp IC502 enroute to channel IC 500 after having been read by sensorarrangement 346. The combined presence of the low-signal-level raw dataand the control signals at the flexible circuit is of concern withregard to potential corruption of the low-level signals. Processingperformed by channel IC 500 on the flexible circuit introduces stillfurther concern.

Still considering the location of channel IC 500, it is submitted thatone of ordinary skill in the art, in order to cope with thisinterference problem, would position the channel IC almost anywhere butthe flexible circuit, for example, on a printed circuit board. Asexemplified by the IBM Microdrive, discussed above, the channel IC ispart of the PCBA external to the HDA. The PCBA, in being isolated fromand a separate part with respect to the HDA, is less subject to theinterference that is present at the flexible circuit. Moreover, specialinterference provisions may be built into the area of circuitryassociated with the channel IC. Such provisions can be quite intricate,based on the relatively vast amount of space available on the PCBA.Alternatively, one of ordinary skill in the art may place a separate PCBwithin the HDA assembly for mounting the channel IC. This latterarrangement is attractive to one of ordinary skill in the art again forthe reason that the PCB can isolate the channel IC from theinterference. One appealing aspect, stemming from the prior art andwhich is applicable to locating the channel IC on either form of printedcircuit board, resides in the fact that locating components on printedcircuit boards is far less expensive than locating such components onthe flexible circuit.

The present invention resolves the foregoing interference problem bycontrolling signal characteristics using low level signaling (forexample, 1-1.8 volts or less), as well as signal routing on the flexiblecircuit and IC pin-out locations.

With continuing reference to FIG. 2, the present invention recognizes aparticular advantage that results from locating channel IC 500 onflexible circuit 330. In order to achieve optimized performance from acontroller and particular HDA, the channel IC must be customized to theparticular media and sensor combination of that HDA. That is, duringnormal production of a prior art hard drive, a programming step must beperformed which controls the specific way in which the channel ICinteracts with the HDA. Applicants are aware of no other way to achievesuch optimized performance, short of programming yet another channel IC.Thus, in order to achieve optimum performance, the present inventionrecognizes that a “customized” channel IC must remain with itsassociated HDA after programming. In the prior art, programmingfunctions directed to this customization or at least resources directedto executing them are generally permanently incorporated in memoryassociated with a hard drive controller on the PCBA of the hard drive.In the absence of channel customization, degraded or what may bereferred to as “generic” performance is obtained from a particularchannel and HDA combination.

Briefly considering the '751 patent, Applicants find no teachings withregard to customizing a channel IC that remains permanently associatedwith a particular HDA without an associated control arrangement. Whilethe patent suggests locating the channel IC in the HDA, in the hostcomputer or distributed therebetween, the patent is devoid of teachingswith regard to selecting any one of these locations as beingadvantageous. Thus, only generic performance appears to be available.

With the channel IC in a distributed configuration or wholly within thehost computer, customizing the channel is still further complicated. Inparticular, it should be understood that the '751 patent embraces amodular system approach wherein peripherals such as an HDA are providedseparate from the host computer and typically originate from differentvendors. One advantage of such modular systems is seen in the ability ofeven an end user to initially assemble the system and to add components,as needed. Under these circumstances, with all of the components comingtogether at the hands of the end user, there is no way in which acustomized channel can be provided for any particular HDA and channelcombination. In this regard, the present invention considers channelcustomization by an end user as impractical. The channel customizationprocedure, normally performed during manufacture, is generally timeconsuming. For example, customizing the channel for a 20 GB (capacity)hard drive may readily require 60 to 90 minutes. An even more compellingreason for avoiding the idea of end user customization of the channel ICis evidenced by the fact that the channel programming and test processserves in a quality control sense during manufacture. That is, anHDA/channel combination may be rejected at manufacture by failing toperform above a specified threshold.

The present invention considers dismissal of a quality control function,placed out of reach of the manufacturer, as unacceptable. Shifting sucha manufacturing-oriented quality control function to the end user islikewise considered as virtually inconceivable. The alternative,inherently exhibited by the '751 patent, is to settle for genericperformance levels. The present invention further rejects this latteralternative and provides a highly advantageous and heretofore unseensolution which is described hereinafter.

Referring to FIG. 3, it is initially important to understand thatchannel IC 500 is customized to magnetic media 340 and sensorarrangement 344 of Storage Element 320. The ability to provide acustomized channel is attributable, in part, to the recognition that thechannel IC is only programmable, from any standard of practicality, bythe manufacturer of Storage Element 320. In this way, a value-addedreseller may provide a device such as, for example, device 300 includingStorage Element 320 configured for optimized performance, including acustomized channel.

Still referring to FIG. 3, attention is turned to an additionaladvantage related to channel IC 500. Specifically, the latter includes achannel characteristics section 510 comprising a nonvolatile area whichcontains certain information related to the configuration of the StorageElement. This information may include, for example, the storage capacityof the Storage Element, and the attributes of the section of the diskcontaining the system configuration. The purpose in providing channelcharacteristics section 510 resides in configuring the Storage Elementsuch that anticipated and/or typical changes in the Storage Element donot necessitate changes in other portions of the Storage Element suchas, for example, in processing arrangement 302. That is, the processingarrangement within an overall host device may be configured to read thechannel characteristics section, for example, during an initial boot-upsequence to provide for appropriately accessing the Storage Element. Inthis way, a single processing arrangement may access a variety ofdifferent Storage Element configurations with no attendant modificationof the processing arrangement required.

Attention is now directed to a number of other highly advantageousfeatures of the present invention which protect the Storage Element fromthe effects of mechanical shock and which generally enhance itsreliability. As described above, HDD's are susceptible to failure whenthe head or heads contact the media, for example, as a result ofreception of a mechanical shock which is sufficient to move the headarrangement. In the absence of rotation of the media, the failure isusually catastrophic since the heads will become stuck to the media;relative movement will thereafter tear the head(s) from the actuatorarm. One arrangement for parking the head arrangement is described inU.S. Pat. No. 4,933,785 issued to Morehouse et al (hereinafterMorehouse). The latter describes a ramp configuration wherein the headarrangement rides against the ramp to be received in its parked positionby seating in some sort of detent formed in the ramp.

Once the head arrangement is in the parked position, latchingarrangements are typically relied on to restrain movement of the headarrangement as a result of mechanical shock. While prior art rampparking arrangements and cooperating latching arrangements are generallysuited to their intended applications, it is submitted that sucharrangements remain susceptible to certain problems which, until now,remain unresolved. For example, a controller may initiate parking of thehead arrangement, however, the head arrangement may not fully transferto its parked position. That is, the head arrangement may slide onlypartially up the ramp, failing to reach the detent. Alternatively, thehead arrangement may engage the ramp with too much momentum—sliding upthe ramp only to hit and bounce off of a hard stop at the end of theramp, stopping away from the detent and out of position. In eithersituation, it is quite likely that a latching arrangement willthereafter be incapable of restraining movement of the head arrangementsince such latching arrangements are normally designed under thepresumption that the head arrangement is at least initially located inits parked position (i.e., seated in the detent). Moreover, particularlyfor shock forces which tend to move the head arrangement down the rampand toward the magnetic media, the magnitude of force required toinitiate movement is significantly reduced, as compared to starting withthe head arrangement seated in the detent. At the same time, thecontroller (processing arrangement) is unaware of this status which islikely to soon result in a catastrophic drive failure.

The foregoing discussion evidences a void in the prior art with respectto recognizing a need for monitoring at least certain aspects orattributes which are related to the operational status of anenvironmentally sensitive electromechanical data storage arrangement.The present invention, in contrast, recognizes this need, particularlywith regard to implementation in portable devices. Attributes of concernat the Storage Element of the present invention include, but are notlimited to positional status of the head arrangement, rotational statusof the spin motor, environmental temperature at the Storage Element andthe shock environment being experienced. Once a view to these attributesis provided, appropriate responses may be formulated, as will bedescribed in the context of a number of attributes immediatelyhereinafter.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, attention is now directed to a highlyadvantageous actuator arm position sensor. These figures illustrateactuator arm 344 in the parked position. Consistent with terminology ofthe art, this position may be referred to as having the “headsunloaded”. Conversely, the term having the “heads loaded” may refer tothe position when the actuator arm or head/transducer arrangement ispositioned for reading magnetic media 340. FIG. 6 illustrates a portionof Storage Element 320 including actuator arm 344, portion 330 b offlexible circuit 330 supported by flexible carrier platform 356 and ramp360. It is noted again that the flexible circuit “sandwiches” flexiblecarrier platform 356. In the illustrated actuator arm position sensorimplementation, a tab 510 is integrally formed using a portion of theflexible carrier platform, with the tab thereafter being bent upwardly.A tab portion 512 of the flexible circuit is formed integrally with thatportion of the flexible circuit which is beneath flexible carrierplatform 356, as seen in FIG. 6. Tab portion 512 of the flexible circuitmay be attached to support tab 510 in any suitable manner such as, forexample, using a suitable adhesive. A contact button 514 is arranged onand supported by tab portion 512. A conductive trace, which is notvisible in the present illustration, is integrally formed with theflexible circuit and connects electrically with contact button 514.Electrical monitoring of the status of the contact button is therebyprovided for any monitoring arrangement having access to the flexiblecircuit such as processing arrangement 302 shown in FIG. 2. Contactbutton 514 may be formed using, for example, a solder bump, a dimpleformed in the flex circuit, a protrusion in the underlying flexiblecarrier platform which “outsets” the contact area or any suitablecombination of such design concepts. It should be appreciated that theuse of a flexible circuit and carrying platform is not a requirement.For example, a stationary contact configured to engage the actuator armin the parked position may be supported in any suitable manner includingdirectly by the housing of the Storage Element. Alternatively, acomponent carrying substrate may be used in place of the combination ofthe flexible circuit and carrying platform.

Still referring to FIG. 6, as previously described, a portion of theflexible circuit comprises flex actuator arm connection 330 c. A portionof this latter element extends from the position at which it is receivedby the actuator arm along the length of the arm to an electrical contactarea 516 supported by a contact support surface 518. The contact supportsurface may be integrally formed with the actuator arm or producedseparately therefrom for suitable attachment to the actuator arm.Electrical contact area 516 may be fixedly attached to the contactsupport surface in any suitable manner such as, for example, by using anadhesive. Actuator arm 344 is shown in its parked position with lift tab354 seated in a detent 520 formed in ramp 360. Contact button 514 andcontact area 516 are arranged such that electrical contact is maintainedbetween these latter two elements when the actuator arm is in its parkedposition. In this regard, flex actuator arm connection 330 c (see FIG.3) of the flexible circuit is used to apply a resilient bias whereby tomaintain such electrical contact in the absence of mechanical shockforces below a predetermined threshold value. The flex actuator armconnection arm or dynamic loop may be configured in any suitable mannerto this end. While FIG. 3 illustrates a configuration having primarilyone bend, an “S” curve, as shown in FIG. 6, is considered as beingparticularly effective. It should be appreciated that this overallcontacting arrangement may be modified by one having ordinary skill inthe art in any number of alternative ways. For example, the actuator armis generally at ground potential. Rather than button 514 contacting theflexible circuit, the button may contact the grounded body of theactuator arm so as to bring the button and flexible circuit trace incommunication therewith to ground potential.

With continuing reference to FIG. 6, another actuator arm positionsensor implementation will be described. Specifically, ramp 360 isformed having an electrically conductive volume 522 defined between apair of dashed lines 524. Conductive volume 522 itself defines a landingsurface 526 which contacts lift tab 354 in the parked position. Volume522 extends to a lowermost surface of the ramp proximate to flexiblecircuit 330 b. A contact pad (not shown) may be formed as part of theflexible circuit, having an associated trace for external communication,to maintain electrical contact between the ramp conductive volume andthe flexible circuit contact pad. In accordance with this arrangement,ramp 360 may be formed, for example, by injection molding using Teflon®for non-conductive portions of the ramp and carbon filled Dekin® forelectrically conductive volume 522. The lift tab is generally at groundpotential by virtue of electrical communication with the actuator arm.When lift tab 354 contacts the landing surface, conductive volume 522and the associated trace in the flexible circuit are brought to groundpotential. Of course, as an alternative to a grounded lift tab, aseparate, electrically isolated conductor [not shown] may be routed tothe lift tab along the length of the actuator arm for purposes ofcontacting landing surface 526 using an appropriate arrangement on lifttab 354.

With regard to both implementations of head arrangement/actuator armposition monitoring mechanisms, it should be appreciated that anunlimited number of modifications may be made by one having ordinaryskill in the art in view of this overall disclosure. All suchmodifications are considered to reside within the scope of the appendedclaims. Irrespective of the specific manner in which the actuator armposition monitoring arrangement is implemented, the advantages providedthrough its use are considered to provide sweeping and heretoforeunavailable improvements in a number of areas, as will be described atappropriate points hereinafter.

Turning now to FIG. 7, an actuator arm position monitoring circuit isgenerally indicated by the reference number 600, as shown within adashed box. This latter circuit generally forms a portion of the StorageElement and cooperates with the actuator arm position monitoring sensorof the present invention, as diagrammatically illustrated and indicatedby the reference number 602 in the form of a switch within a dashed box.Any form of actuator arm position monitoring sensor may be used, asdescribed above or with suitable modifications. Circuit 600 includessignal drivers 604 and 606, a flip-flop 608 and a data register 610storing five bits of information denoted as bits t, z, c, x and y.Register 610 is, in turn, accessible to previously described processingarrangement 302. As mentioned above, in certain implementations where atransitional IC is used, register 610 may be accessed by the processingarrangement using one or more vendor unique commands. Alternatively, theregister is read directly by the processing arrangement. A resistor R1is connected to a V+ power supply so as to pull-up the output of driver606 along with the line leading to the actuator arm positioningarrangement, as will be described.

Processing arrangement 302 reads the status of actuator arm positionmonitoring circuit 600 using bits x and y. Bit y indicates a currentstatus of the actuator arm position sensor. Signal driver 604 providesthe current status value both to the y register position and to a clockinput of flip-flop 608. Other implementations may set D to a high logiclevel. In the present example, the D input of flip-flop 608 is grounded.The x register value comprises an output Q of flip-flop 608, as will befurther described. It should be appreciated that high and low logiclevels are not generally used in the present discussion with regard tostate indication since the circuitry is readily adaptable to use eitherlogic value as a “true” value. Accordingly, a value indicative of theactuator arm sensor being in its closed position is considered as true.The z register comprises an enable signal provided to an enable input ofsignal driver 606 which may be set by processing arrangement 302, asdesired. The t register position allows processing arrangement 302 toprovide a logical value that is driven onto the output of signal driver306 when the latter is enabled by the appropriate value stored in the zregister position. In this way, test functionality is provided whereby aselected value may be placed on the output of signal driver 606,irrespective of whether the actuator arm sensor switch is in its openposition. The test value is then available in register y via signaldriver 604 for access by processing arrangement 302. The test value readfrom the y register location can then be compared by the processingarrangement with the expected value to confirm proper operation of thecircuitry.

For purposes of monitoring the status of the actuator arm positionsensor during operation of the Storage Element, flip-flop 608 mayinitially be reset by processing arrangement 302 upon movement of theactuator arm away from the parked position. That is, the x registervalue is reset while the actuator arm position sensing switch is open(false) using the c register position. Accordingly, during ongoingaccess of media 340 (FIG. 3) the x and y register locations both store afalse value. The x and y register values will change, however, once theactuator arm returns even briefly to the parked position. Initially, itis assumed that the actuator arm reaches the parked position so thatlift tab 354 seats properly in detent 520. Once the actuator armposition sensor (in any of the aforedescribed implementations) switchesto the true state, a true value is presented by signal driver 604. Thisvalue is stored in register location y. At the same time, the true valueis presented to the clock input of flip-flop 608. Any voltage waveformedge provided to the clock input of the flip-flop will cause the outputof the flip-flop to toggle to the true value which is then saved inregister location x, as provided from the Q output of the flip-flop.Thus, both the x and y registers store a true value. Upon reading thiscondition, processing arrangement 302 is substantially assured that theactuator arm is in the parked position. The foregoing describes parkingin a “normal” manner. That is, the actuator arm is moved away fromaccessing the magnetic media with just enough energy to slide lift tab354 up the sloped face of ramp 360 to thereafter seat and be captured indetent 520.

Having described the result that obtains relative to monitoring circuit600 when the actuator arm parks normally, various scenarios will now beconsidered in which the actuator arm fails to reach the parked positionin the normal manner. In a first scenario, the actuator arm is simplymoved with an insufficient amount of energy such that lift tab 354 mayengage the sloped face of ramp 360, but fails to reach detent 520. Inthis case, the x and y values will both remain false. Upon sensing thiscondition, processing arrangement 302 is substantially assured that theactuator arm is not parked or unloaded. One of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that the Storage Element or any HDD, for that matter, isin grave danger of catastrophic failure in this scenario. The presentinvention, by producing an unequivocal indication of this danger,provides that appropriate remedial actions may then be taken, asdescribed at appropriate points below.

In a second scenario wherein the actuator arm fails to park normally,the actuator arm is moved away from a loaded position with excessiveforce applied thereto by the voice coil motor. In this regard, it shouldbe appreciated that the actuator arm is generally configured toencounter a stop (not shown) which prevents the actuator arm fromovershooting ramp 360. Unfortunately, however, the actuator arm maybounce off of the stop. Actuator arm position sensor circuit 600 willinitially toggle to true values for both the x and y registers. As aresult of the bounce, however, the y register value then toggles tofalse. Processing arrangement 302 observes a true value for x and afalse value for y. Generally, this status seen in the x and y registersis indicative of a bounce. The Storage Element or HDD employing thisarrangement is again in danger of catastrophic failure. Upon thisobservation, remedial measures may be taken by processing arrangement302 including modification of the drive signal provided to the voicecoil motor, as will be further described.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 8 which is a partial cut-away view ofvoice coil motor end 346 of actuator arm 344. Voice coil 350 is shownpositioned between lower magnetic plate assembly 348 and an uppermagnetic plate assembly 630. A magnet 632 forms part of the lower magnetassembly for producing a static magnetic field between the upper andlower assemblies. Actuator pivot 351 is also shown. Lines of magneticflux are indicated by the reference number 634 extending between thelower and upper magnet plate assemblies, cutting through voice coil 350.Applicants have recognized that the voice coil end of the actuator armexhibits a resonant frequency in a direction indicated by adouble-headed arrow 636. Applicants, more importantly, have recognizedthat, because the voice coil is positioned in a magnetic field, anopportunity is provided for a remarkably advantageous technique andarrangement directed to monitoring the shock environment of the StorageElement as an operational attribute in the context of operation of theStorage Element of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9 in conjunction with FIG. 8, details with regard tomonitoring the shock environment of Storage Element 320 will bedescribed. In view of the foregoing discussion, it should be appreciatedthat the voice coil motor end of actuator arm 344 vibrates normal to itsplane of motion for data access at its resonant frequency responsive tothe Storage Element being subjected to external shock forces having acomponent that is normal to the plane of the actuator arm. Accordingly,voice coil 350 will move consistent with the direction illustrated byarrow 636. Since the voice coil is exposed to magnetic flux lines 634, avoltage is generated by the voice coil responsive to this motion.Generation of this voltage has been empirically verified by Applicants.FIG. 9 illustrates one possible mechanical shock monitoring circuit,generally indicated by the reference number 700, for utilizing the shockvoltage. Voice coil 350 is diagrammatically shown. The voice coil iselectrically connected to a pair of drivers 702 and 704 that arethemselves driven by control circuitry which has not been illustratedfor purposes of simplicity. A conditioning circuit 706 includes highimpedance inputs connected across voice coil 350 to pick up the shockvoltage signal induced in the voice coil. Conditioning circuit 706 mayinclude any necessary functions such as, for example, amplification andfiltering. It should be appreciated that the signal level of the inducedshock voltage may be quite small such that significant gain is requiredin order to increase the signal to a useful level dependent, of course,on the specific configuration of the voice coil motor arrangement andthe level of shock to be detected.

Continuing with a description of the circuitry of FIG. 9, a comparator708 compares the output of signal conditioner 395 a to a set point inputof the comparator provided on a line indicated as “sens”. This latterline serves as a sensitivity adjustment which may be under the controlof processing arrangement 302. Moreover, the processing arrangement mayvary the sensitivity adjustment in accordance with various operationalcircumstances. Alternatively, the sensitivity may be set during factorycalibration procedures. In the event that shock voltages are presentedto the comparator which exceed the current sensitivity setting,comparator 708 produces a square wave output that is received by a clockinput of a D type flip-flop 710. The D input of flip-flop 710 may be setto either a high or low logic level with the latter being illustrated.Upon receipt of an input edge from comparator 708, flip-flop 710 togglesoutput Q which then is loaded into a register 712 as a bit “s”. Likepreviously described register 610, register 712 may be located withinthe Storage Element or on the host side proximate to processingarrangement 302. Any location is suitable so long as it is readable byprocessing arrangement 302. Flip-flop 710 is reset using its clear inputconnected to a line that is controlled by processing arrangement 302.The flip-flop may be reset immediately after reading the s bit or withinthe context of ongoing processing operations. Upon detecting that the sbit is set, processing arrangement 302 may respond in a number ofalternative ways, as will be described below.

Referring to FIG. 2, as described above, entering the shock safe stateof the Storage Element requires parking or unloading sensor/headarrangement 344. In this regard, the present invention recognizes thatan awareness of the position of the head arrangement is critical toensuring the reliability of Storage Element 320. Having describedseveral implementations of the head arrangement sensing feature of thepresent invention, attention will now be directed to using this featurein the context of a number of highly advantageous techniques.

The shock environment sensing arrangement of the present invention isconsidered as being highly advantageous, particularly with regard todevices such as Storage Element 302 that are intended for use inportable applications. As described previously, the shock monitoringfeature of the present invention allows the processing arrangement togauge the shock environment of device 300 prior to initiating datastorage or retrieval using the Storage Element. This feature is readilycombined with any other provision described herein for the purpose ofmitigation of mechanical shock effects on the operation of the StorageElement. Moreover, the shock environment is sensed within the StorageElement itself so as to account for attenuation of shock forcesresulting from shock mounting the Storage Element within a portabledevice. Shock monitoring capability is also highly advantageous duringtest and development of the Storage Element and is readily suited to anyform of device, including an HDD, which utilizes a voice coil motor.

Initially, it is noted that a number of prior art algorithms have beendeveloped for the specific purpose of parking the head arrangement. Suchan algorithm may be implemented in a variety of different ways for thisintended purpose. Each individual algorithm may therefore operateincorporating one or more parameters, each of which influences thereliability or probability that the head arrangement will, in fact,properly reach the parked position. Such parameters may include, forexample, the magnitude of a drive current which is used to drive thevoice coil motor in moving to the parked position, a specified positionof the head arrangement from which movement to the parked position isinitiated and the velocity of the head arrangement. Accordingly, thefocus of the present invention considers adjustment of any parametersthat are in use within a particular algorithm in order to improveparking reliability. That is, the effect of adjusting any one parameteror parameter combination is discernible through the teachings herein.

Turning now to FIG. 10, a parking calibration method performed inaccordance with the present invention is generally indicated by thereference number 800. Calibration method 800 begins with a step 802 inwhich initial values of the parameters are set within the particularparking sequence or algorithm to be applied. Thus, the initial valuesmay represent values which have been developed in any suitable manner.Step 804 then proceeds by using the initial values of the parameters toactually execute the parking sequence. A read of the head positionindicator of the present invention is subsequently performed by step806. Step 808 then saves the result of this particular parking sequenceexecution, indexed against the specific values of parameters which wereemployed. Following step 808, step 810 tests the result of the currentparking sequence. In the event that this sequence failed, executionmoves to step 812 in which one or more parameters are modified, asdesired. As described above, one significant parameter is the magnitudeor duration of the signal used as a drive signal to drive the voice coilmotor arrangement in order to move the head arrangement to the parkedposition. For illustrative convenience, parameter changes may bedescribed with regard to modifying this voice coil motor drive signal.It is to be understood that this technique is equally applicable tovirtually any parameter and, hence, is in no way limited to the voicecoil motor drive signal.

For the voice coil motor drive signal, the initial parameter setting mayuse a particular magnitude that is changed by some predeterminedincrement with each successive repetition of the parking sequence. It isto be understood, in this regard, that a failure condition is typicallyencountered by both increasing and decreasing the voice coil motor drivefrom the particular magnitude. In one instance, increasing the drivecurrent sufficiently results in the head arrangement bouncing off of theparking arrangement; the head arrangement passes through the parkedposition twice. In the other instance, decreasing the drive currentsufficiently results in the head arrangement having insufficientmomentum to fully reach the parked position. Therefore, the voice coilmotor drive current exemplifies a parameter which exhibits both upperand lower failure values or thresholds. That is, this parameter isadjustable both up and down in order to find an optimum value. In onefeature, the optimum value may be selected as that value which isapproximately half-way in magnitude between the upper and lowermagnitudes at which failure occurs. Other parameters likewise exhibitupper and lower failure values such that this precept remains equallyapplicable thereto. When performing calibration sequences relating toparameters having both upper and lower failure limits, it may beadvantageous to vary the parameter from a higher or low magnitude whichis almost certainly outside of the operational range that is definedbetween the upper and lower failure limits. In this way, the calibrationprocedure sweeps or passes through the entire operational range betweenthe limits such that both the upper and lower limits can be found in onepass through the entire range of potential magnitude of that parameter.Following parameter modification, execution moves back to step 404 tobegin the parking sequence with the modified parameters.

Still referring to FIG. 10, if step 810 does not detect a failure in theparking sequence, step 814 is entered. This latter step monitors theoverall number of times that the parking sequence has been repeated fora particular configuration of the parameters. If the currentconfiguration of parameter settings has not been repeated N times,execution is returned to step 804. The parking sequence will generallybe repeated a statistically significant number of times, indicated hereas N, for each configuration of the parameters so as to establish aprobability of the head arrangement reaching the parked position forthat particular configuration. For example, N might be equal to 100. Asingle failure in attempting to reach the parked position out of 100tries will generally be considered as unacceptable, indicating a failurethreshold.

If, on the other hand, the current parameter configuration has beensuccessfully repeated N times, step 816 is entered. In step 816, adecision is made as to whether the parking sequence is to be repeatedwith a different configuration of the parameter settings. If that is thecase, step 812 is executed whereby to modify the parameters followedagain by step 804. It should be appreciated that the specificimplementation of step 816 is dependent upon the particular algorithmthat is employed by the parking sequence. Therefore, the parameter setmay be modified in a manner that is suited to the particular algorithm.In this regard, it is considered that one having ordinary skill in theart is capable of modifying any known algorithm parameter set eithercurrently known or yet to be developed in view of this overalldisclosure. One possible implementation might optimize one of theparameters which is initially considered to be the most critical.Thereafter, other parameters within the group of parameters defined bythe particular algorithm may be modified on an individual basis. Stillfurther modifications may include changes made to more than oneparameter at a time.

Different calibration procedures may be employed dependent upon thestate of product development. For example, a rather exhaustive searchfor an optimum set of parameters may be performed using a relativelygreat number of parameter configurations on a certain number of unitsproduced in an initial production run. Having found that initial set ofoptimum parameters, the parameter calibration process may thereafter berelaxed somewhat, using a lesser number of parameter configurations.

Once step 816 determines that all of the parameter modificationstargeted for execution have been completed, a probability set comprisingall of the values used in the parameter configurations is available.Step 818 is performed whereby to choose the set of parameters to beemployed for operational purposes using the probability set. A number ofdifferent objectives may be brought to bear in selecting the optimizedset of parameters. As mentioned above, one possible selection resides,for “two-valued” parameters, in choosing a midpoint between upper andlower failure values. It is to be understood, however, that otherobjectives may also be considered. In the example of the voice coilmotor drive current parameter, a magnitude may be selected that issomewhat closer to the lower failure limit for purposes of powerconservation. This objective is particularly applicable in the instanceof portable devices which operate on battery power.

In one highly advantageous feature, step 820 saves the optimizedparameters on the magnetic media using the head arrangement. Duringoperation of the Storage Element, these parameters are retrieved andemployed by the processing arrangement, as will be further described atan appropriate point below. Therefore, each and every unit produced mayoperate with a customized set of parameters in terms of parkingcalibration as well as other aspects of operation, as will be furtherdescribed.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a highly advantageous parameter trackingmethod is generally indicated by the reference number 900. It is notedthat this tracking method may be performed as an adjunct to theforegoing calibration procedure, as will be further described. Aproduction line is generally indicated by the reference number 902having a plurality of Storage Elements 320 coming off of the line forentry into method 900. Initially, it should be understood that thismethod is advantageous in tracking changes that are occurring in theStorage Element, but which nonetheless might otherwise go unnoticed, atleast until these changes reach critical levels. Since differentcomponents which make up the Storage Element are likely to be sourcedfrom different vendors, it is possible that sufficient changes in one ofthese components, even where the vendor is unaware of drifting toleranceor composition changes, could ultimately produce fatal problems duringoperation. The present invention, through the use of its head sensorposition indication arrangement, contemplates tracking performance driftin relation to certain characterizable aspects of performance. Thisoverall technique may be referred to hereinafter as “trendcharacterization” or “parameter tracking”.

Still referring to FIG. 11, method 900 begins by initially establishingstart parameters in step 904. It should be appreciated that severaldifferent approaches may be employed with regard to setting the startparameters. In one approach, the parameters may be set so that failureto reach the parked position is virtually assured. The parameters maythen be adjusted in a direction toward what is known to be anoperational value or range of operational values, in the case of aparameter having both upper and lower failure limits. In this manner,the failure threshold(s) for each individual parameter and for subsetsand/or the overall set of parameters may be established, as desired. Inanother approach, the parameters are initialized in what is thought tobe an optimized or at least operational state. The parameters are thenadjusted in one or both directions toward the failure threshold(s).Again, individual parameters may be adjusted so as to find the failurethreshold(s) of each parameter as well as finding associated failurethresholds for subsets of parameters and the overall collection ofparameters. Any set of values for the parameters at which a failurethreshold is present may be referred to as a failure configuration.

Step 906 executes the parking sequence using the initial set of startingparameters. It is noted that execution of the parking sequencethroughout this overall disclosure is assumed to begin from having thehead arrangement positioned for reading from the magnetic media or fromsome defined, but unparked position from which the parking sequencealgorithm is designed to start. In fact, this starting position maycomprise one of the parameters of the parking sequence algorithm. Thestarting position may define a lower failure limit or threshold nearestthe parking arrangement and an upper failure limit somewhat further awayfrom the parking arrangement.

Step 908 then reads the head position to establish whether or not thehead arrangement reached the parked position. In step 910, the result ofstep 908 is recorded for subsequent use. Step 912 then tests the numberof times that the parking sequence has been repeated. In this regard,the parking sequence may be repeated any number of times for aparticular set-up of parameters so as to assure a sufficiently accuratedetermination of the probability of parking at those settings. As onealternative, during this repetition of the parking sequence, theincidence of one failure may immediately move the procedure tomodification of the parking parameters.

Having repeated the parking sequence for a particular setting of theparameters N number of times, step 914 establishes whether or not afailure threshold was found in view of the results stored in step 910.If a failure threshold was not found, step 916 modifies the parametersettings in a manner that is consistent with the parking algorithm beingemployed. Thereafter, step 906 re-executes the parking sequence.Operation continues to establish whether or not a failure threshold isfound for the new settings of the parameters. When a failure thresholdis found for a particular configuration of the parking parameters, step918 saves the failure configuration and determines whether the method isto be applied to a different parameter, subset or the overall group ofparameters. If so, the foregoing process is repeated. Otherwise, step920 records the results for the particular unit having just been testedin the form of all of its failure configurations of interest. Step 922then checks for another unit to be tested. Accordingly, any number ofunits may be tested from an individual production run. More importantly,this overall process is applicable over long-term periods of time. Forexample, across the entire number of Storage Elements produced having aparticular model number. From time to time, step 924 is employed wherebyto compare the recorded failure configurations and specific valuesacross all of these units. Step 925 is then used to establish trends infailure values with continued production of the unit. Thus, impendingproblems may be averted. As an example, if frictional coefficients aretrending upward as a result of changes in the composition from whichramp 360 (see FIG. 3) is formed, the lower recorded failure thresholdvalue for the drive current required to park the head arrangement willbe observed to be trending upward. With this trend information in hand,an investigation may be undertaken to ascertain what is causing theincrease in the required magnitude of current. In this manner, anynumber of developing problems may be identified. Applicants considerthis process as being highly advantageous, since operational conditionsare maintainable well separated from ascertained failure thresholds.

Although methods 800 and 900, illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11respectively, are described separately for purposes of clarity, itshould be appreciated that these methods are combinable in view of thisoverall disclosure. That is, essentially all of the foregoingcalibration and trend tracking information may be determined oncethreshold value limits embraced by failure configurations for theparameters in any particular parking algorithm have been established. Inthis regard, the steps of the described methods may be changed insequence and/or modified in any suitable manner so long as the teachingsherein are applied. Moreover, these methods are considered to beapplicable to the production of virtually any hard disk drive. Thebenefit of an optimized parking algorithm will significantly enhancereliability of any hard disk drive through application of the teachingsherein.

Having described the use of the head arrangement sensing feature of thepresent invention for the purpose of calibration and trend tracking,attention is now directed to certain aspects of the use of this featureduring operation of the Storage Element or, of course, during theoperation of any hard disk drive produced having the head arrangementsensing feature of the present invention. As mentioned above, anawareness of the position of the head arrangement is critical toreliable operation of any hard disk type storage arrangement,particularly when the head arrangement is supposed to be parked. Thatis, if the head arrangement is inadvertently moved away from its parkedposition, for example, due to the receipt of an external shock force,its transducer is likely to be torn lose as a result of non-rotationalcontact with the magnetic media disk. The head arrangement sensingfeature of the present invention is highly advantageous, in the firstinstance, by providing the ability to actually confirm that the headarrangement has been received in the parked or unloaded position.Moreover, having initially confirmed that the head arrangement isreceived in the parked position, its status may readily be re-confirmed,as desired. One particular application for the use of head arrangementsensing feature of the present invention will be described immediatelyhereinafter.

Turning now to FIG. 12, an advanced parking control and monitoringsequence, performed in accordance with the present invention, isgenerally indicated by the reference number 1000. Method 1000 isperformed by processing arrangement 302 within device 300. It should beappreciated, however, that the method is readily adapted for use in anyform of hard disk drive arrangement. Method 1000 begins with step 1002in which a parking sequence is initiated. The parking sequence employedmay utilize parameters having values identified and selected, forexample, using highly advantageous calibration procedure 800 describedabove. Again, any suitable parking algorithm may be employed within theoverall context of this method. Following step 1002, in step 1004, theprocessing arrangement reads the positional status of the headarrangement. Step 1006 then produces an indication based on this read.The indication may be provided in a wide variety of different ways. Inone feature, an interrupt may be generated for receipt by the processingarrangement. In another highly advantageous feature, the indication isproduced and stored in a register. The latter may be located within theStorage Element itself for subsequent access by the processingarrangement. Alternatively, the register may be located at any suitablelocation within the overall device so long as the processing arrangementhas access thereto. This read may be performed in any suitable manner.For example, the processing arrangement may directly read the headposition sensing arrangement. As an alternative, register 610 describedwith respect to FIG. 3 may be read. If the indication, for example, perthe x and y bits of register 610, shows the head arrangement to beproperly parked, stop step 1008 is executed.

If, on the other hand, the bits indicate that the head arrangement isnot parked, step 1010 is performed in which an additional parkingsequence is executed using the same parameter settings. Thereafter, step1012 increments a recovery sequence counter (not shown). As will beseen, the recovery sequence counter counts the number of times that theparking sequence is repeated using its initial set of parameters. Step1014 then tests the number of times which the parking sequence has beenrepeated. This sequence continues until the limit is encountered. Thelimit may be set, for example, in the range from 1 to any useful numberof attempts.

Once the limit has been encountered, step 1016 performs a terminatingparking sequence which is different from the parking sequence that isemployed in the initial part of the method. The terminating parkingsequence may be developed in view of a number of differentconsiderations. For example, terminating parking sequence may vary theparameter settings in view of the bit settings in register 610.Specifically, as mentioned above, if one of the bits is set, while theother bit is not set, the head arrangement has most likely bounced offof the parking arrangement. Accordingly, the parameter corresponding tothe voice coil motor drive current may be reduced in magnitude forpurposes of the terminating parking sequence. On the other hand, if bothof the bits are not set, the head arrangement has most likely notreached the parked position by virtue of lack of momentum. Therefore,the parameter corresponding to the voice coil motor drive current may beincreased in magnitude for use in the terminating parking sequence.Following step 1016, step 1018 again tests the status of the headarrangement's position.

While steps 1016 and 1018, in combination, illustrate the terminatingparking sequence as a one pass-through procedure for purposes of clarityand for facilitating brevity of this discussion, it is to be understoodthat this terminating parking sequence may encompass a repetitiveprocess which bears some relationship to the calibration procedure ofmethod 400 described above. That is, parameter magnitudes may be variedin incremental steps with repetition of the parking sequence,accompanied by testing the result of each variation.

Step 1020 performs a final check of the head arrangement position. If aparked indication is obtained, the procedure may terminate at stop step1008. If the indication continues to show that the head arrangement isnot parked, step 1022 generates a notification indicating to the deviceuser that a problem has been encountered which is apparentlyunrecoverable. The notification may be provided in any suitable formsuch as, for example, in an audio and/or visual form. The foregoingprocedure may be modified to suit any number of operationalconsiderations. For example, the number of times that the parkingsequence is repeated with any configuration of its parameters may becontrolled, at least in part, by time constraints imposed through theoverall operation of the device. Still further steps may be added to theoverall process with the intent of enhancing the probability of survivalof the Storage Element or other such hard disk drive type device. Forexample, following failure of the terminating parking sequence toachieve an indication that the head arrangement is parked, the voicecoil motor drive signal may be issued at a level which is intended tohold the transducer(s) of the head arrangement just outside the outerdiameter of the magnetic media.

Having described the head position sensing arrangement of the presentinvention and its use in a number of highly advantageous processes, itwill be appreciated that the present invention provides sweepingadvantages over the state-of-the-art. As is the case with any of themethods described herein, the ordered sequence of steps and specificdesign of individual steps and/or combinations thereof which make upmethod 1000 are considered to be within the scope of the presentinvention, as modified by one having ordinary skill in the art in viewof this disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 13 in conjunction with FIG. 2, attention is nowdirected to a highly advantageous test/programming board, generallyindicated by the reference number 1100. Board 1100 includes a processor1102, a controller 1104, a channel programming routines section 1106 anda connector 1108 configured for temporarily accepting the free end offlexible circuit 330 (partially shown) during the manufacturing process.Previously described connector 332 may be used as connector 1108,provided that it will accommodate repeated connect and disconnectcycles. In this regard, board 1100 is physically configured fortemporary mating with Storage Element 320 during manufacturing for thepurpose of customizing channel IC 500. This physical connection may beaccomplished, for example, using plastic clips. Because the physicalarrangement of board 1100 and Storage Element 320 may be accomplished inan unlimited number of ways, within the capability of one havingordinary skill in the art, a particular physical arrangement has notbeen illustrated. For example, an electrical interconnection arrangementmay include a first portion forming one part of the Storage Element andhaving a second portion forming another part of the test/programmingboard for detachably electrically connecting the digital storagearrangement to the programming arrangement. In one embodiment, one ofthe first and second portions of the said interconnection arrangementmay include a set of resilient contact members and the other one of thefirst and second portions may include a set of contact pads electricallyconnectable with the resilient contact members for use in programmingthe channel.

Channel programming routines section 1106 comprises an appropriate formof memory (e.g., ROM in combination with RAM) loaded with programmingfor execution by processor 1102 to issue native code instructions tocontroller 1104. The latter is configured in essentially the same manneras a prior art hard drive controller. That is, controller 1100 isconfigured to execute the native code of Storage Element 320 as arequirement to customizing channel IC 320. It should be appreciated thatboard 1100 is configured to complete its customization and testfunctions in an automated manner, thereafter, to provide a result fromprocessor 1104 using an indication section 1110. As an example, a greenlight 1112 and a red light 1114 may give a pass/fail indication as tothe status of the particular Storage Element. More detailed informationmay be provided, as desired, by using an LCD display (not shown), forexample, to isolate problematic manufacturing concerns.

Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 13, having described test board 1100 andits general use with Storage Element 320, a number of associatedadvantages and features will now be described. It is important toappreciate that the functionality required to customize channel IC 500is not required in device 300. The customization process need only beperformed one time during manufacturing since the customized channel, inaccordance with the present invention, remains with the Storage Element.This feature results in savings with regard to manufacturing costsassociated with device 300. Moreover, any functionality of controller1104 directed to the customization and testing process are not needed indevice 300. The reader will recall that processing arrangement 320 ofdevice 300 executes the native code of the Storage Element. Essentially,processing arrangement 302 serves in one role as a controller, withoutthe need for test functionality which is needed in controller 1104. Inthis regard, any requirements for an upgraded processor in the enddevice, in order to execute channel programming, are avoided. It shouldbe appreciated that the present invention contemplates a pre-existingcompatibility between prior art devices and the Storage Element of thepresent invention. That is, as described above, processing powerdedicated to the operation of the Storage Element may be deliberatelylimited to unused capabilities of processors already present in thearchitecture of a particular device. At the same time, the teachings ofthe present invention are readily practiced in “upgraded” devices, yetto be developed, in a way which provides even further performanceenhancements in these devices.

Another advantage, with regard to test board 1100 and which is directlyapplicable to consideration of cost-reduction, is found on the basisthat a limited number of test boards are needed within the context ofany one overall manufacturing process. That is, the required number oftest boards is limited by the number of Storage Elements available forchannel programming at any one point in time. In this way, a single testboard may be used over time to channel program and test a great numberof Storage Elements. It should be appreciated that, in the absence ofthis arrangement, savings attendant to elimination of the need for acontroller in Storage Element 320 would be offset wherein a test boardwas usable on only a single or very limited number of occasions.

A further advantage is provided by the present invention due to itscompatibility with traditional manufacturing and test procedures. Inparticular, only two, almost insignificant steps are added to themanufacturing process in which test board 1100 is first physicallyconnected with a Storage Element and then, after channel programming andtesting, disconnected from that Storage Element. In this regard, itshould be appreciated that cost savings provided in an end use devicecan be far outweighed where a sufficiently significant revamping of themanufacturing process is needed to produce that cost savings.

Since the Storage Element, devices in which the Storage Element is usedand associated method disclosed herein may be provided in a variety ofdifferent configurations and the method may be practiced in a variety ofdifferent ways, it should be understood that the present invention maybe embodied in many other specific ways without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the present examples andmethods are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, andthe invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but maybe modified within the scope of the appended claims.

1-56. (canceled)
 57. A storage device, comprising: storage mediaconfigured to store data; a head arrangement configured to read from thestorage media and configured to write to the storage media; a flexiblecircuit configured to interface the storage device to a host processor;and a channel integrated circuit configured to provide an interfacebetween the storage media and the head arrangement, the channelintegrated circuit being mounted for direct electrical communicationwith the flexible circuit.
 58. The storage device of claim 57 whereinthe channel integrated circuit means is physically supported by theflexible circuit.
 59. The storage device of claim 64 wherein a ramp issupported by a main portion of the flexible circuit, and the flexiblecircuit confirms a parked position of the head arrangement when a tab ofthe head arrangement engages the ramp by being moved into a parkedconfiguration.
 60. The storage device of claim 57 further comprising anend installation, wherein the flexible circuit is part of the endinstallation, and wherein the flexible circuit serves, at least in part,to provide mechanical shock isolation for the storage media.
 61. Thestorage device of claim 57 wherein the flexible circuit and channelintegrated circuit are configured to exchange electrical signals at avoltage level no greater than 1.8 V.
 62. The storage device of claim 57wherein the channel integrated circuit is customized for the storagemedia.
 63. The storage device of claim 57 wherein the channel integratedcircuit is customized for the head arrangement.
 64. The storage deviceof claim 57 wherein the flexible circuit is further configured toconfirm the positional status of the head arrangement.
 65. The storagedevice of claim 57 wherein the flexible circuit provides, to the hostprocessor, monitoring of positional status of components of the storagedevice.
 66. A storage device, comprising: means for storing data; meansfor reading from the storage media and for writing to the storage media;means for using a flexible circuit to interface the storage device to ahost processor; and means, using a channel integrated circuit, forproviding an interface between the storage media and the means forreading from the storage media and for writing to the storage media, thechannel integrated circuit being mounted for direct electricalcommunication with the flexible circuit.
 67. The storage device of claim66 wherein a ramp is supported by a main portion of the flexiblecircuit, and the flexible circuit confirms a parked position of themeans for reading from the storage media and for writing to the storagemedia when a tab of the means for reading from the storage media and forwriting to the storage media engages the ramp by being moved into aparked configuration.
 68. The storage device of claim 66 wherein theflexible circuit serves, at least in part, to provide mechanical shockisolation for the storage media.
 69. The storage device of claim 66wherein the channel integrated circuit is customized for the storagemedia.
 70. The storage device of claim 66 wherein the channel integratedcircuit is customized for the means for reading from the storage mediaand for writing to the storage media.
 71. A method of controlling astorage device having a storage media, the method comprising: readingdata from the storage media via a head arrangement; providing the readdata via a channel integrated circuit, wherein the channel integratedcircuit is mounted for direct electrical communication with a flexiblecircuit, the flexible circuit configured to interface the storage deviceto a host processor; and providing, to the host processor, via theflexible circuit, the read data.
 72. The method of claim 71 furthercomprising receiving confirmation of a parked position of the headarrangement when a tab of the head arrangement engages a ramp by beingmoved into a parked configuration, wherein the ramp is supported by amain portion of the flexible circuit.
 73. The method of claim 71 whereinthe flexible circuit serves, at least in part, to provide mechanicalshock isolation for the storage media.
 74. The method of claim 71further comprising receiving, from the flexible circuit, confirmation ofthe positional status of the head arrangement.
 75. The method of claim71 further comprising: determining a likelihood that the storage devicewill be exposed to mechanical shock; and in response to the determining,placing the storage device into a mechanical shock resistant state. 76.The method of claim 75 wherein the determining a likelihood that thestorage device will be exposed to mechanical shock is based on adetermination of a use state including one of: in use, in storage, andtransitioning between in use and in storage.
 77. The method of claim 75wherein the determining a likelihood that the storage device will beexposed to mechanical shock is based on a determination of a peripheraldevice status including one or more of: distance from a particularposition, peripheral connectivity, and a measure of cord elasticity.